Called Almbrite, Exeter-based SWMF has been working on process since 2014 and believes it could be the future choice of aircraft manufacturers around the world.
By chemically removing material from each surface to achieve the final condition required, the process greatly improves the finish of components made using AM.
Explains lead Researcher James Bradbury: “We were approached by our clients in the aerospace and defence sectors soon after additive manufacturing started to be used.
“But one of the challenges regularly mentioned was the poor finish of AM components. They were often rough or porous, with semi-melted powder particles. That can obviously effect the performance of the component, which cannot happen when you’re making an aircraft. Safety is paramount.
“The aerospace industry is adopting AM, though it needed time to collate data and carry out stringent tests before it was confident the components could withstand the operating conditions they would be subjected to.
“Everything had to be tried and tested and then tested again. Now the processes are considered safe enough they must make sure the finish of these components fulfil the necessary requirements.
“We are taking it to the next level and we believe Almbrite could address many of the issues currently facing those in AM in the aerospace industry.”
SWMF believes this finishing process could help double its turnover from £6 to £12 million within four years. The company is AS9100- and Nadcap-accredited, and operates a collection and delivery service throughout the UK and Europe.
