PROCADA AND UNIVERSITY WEST: EXPLORING NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)
Through the INTEGRADDE project, advanced technologies such as the Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) have been developed. A collaboration between the company PROCADA and University West has allowed them to improve the company’s manufacturing capabilities, positioning them as an innovative participant within the EU’s AM market.
Use case in a Nutshell
The implementation of the Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) together with existing PROCADA systems has allowed the company to explore new business opportunities, and to improve their manufacturing capabilities.
About the collaboration partners
PROCADA is a Swedish company specialized in advanced solutions for materials processing and manufacturing. They work with joining methods, laser processing, and smart manufacturing systems for industrial applications.
University West is a Swedish university with strong expertise in production technology and industrial applications. They are focused on applied research and education in areas such as welding, additive manufacturing, and automation. The University has its own Production Technology Centre, which helps them to contribute advancements in manufacturing and smart production systems.
Description of the Collaboration
Problem Addressed
PROCADA aimed to implement a scalable, reliable additive manufacturing process that could meet industrial demands.
Solution
The collaboration between PROCADA and University West focused on adapting both software and hardware to integrate the WAAM process into PROCADA’s existing manufacturing systems. This integration also opened up new possibilities for adapting WAAM technology to other Directed Energy Deposition (DED) fields.
Execution
University West supported PROCADA through all the process, ensuring that both the new process and existing systems worked together. The joint effort ensured that the WAAM technology was fully functional and compatible with PROCADA’s legacy manufacturing processes.
Host Role (University West)
Led the research and adaptation of the technology, providing expert support and guidance to PROCADA in the implementation of the WAAM process.
Beneficiary Role (PROCADA)
PROCADA was the primary beneficiary, utilizing the adapted WAAM technology to enhance their manufacturing processes and explore new business opportunities.
Results of the Collaboration
New business possibilities (aerospace and food)
Reduction of waste
Acceleration of the time it takes to bring new products to market
Testimonials
The collaboration within the EAP has been very useful for both Procada and University West, and we have learned from each other. The SME Procada now has increased its market opportunities to also involve WAAM. The WAAM technique is very valuable for SMEs since the level of investment needed is relatively small compared to most DED methods.
We have been able to explore an entirely new business area and understood what it would take to develop a product for it. Without INTEGRADDE’s support we would not have dared to take the risk of investigating it ourselves, mainly since we lack the competences ourselves.
Project info:
The use case is part of PROCADA’s involvement in the Horizon 2020 INTEGRADDE project, Grant Agreement noº 820776, aiming to innovate the field of Additive Manufacturing.
Do you want to create a use case for your technology or test this technology in your processes?