EU-developed hybrid additive-subtractive machine ready to build large demo parts

February 25, 2019
Source:

The Large Additive-Subtractive Integrated Modular Machine (LASIMM) project of the European Union has announced that the hybrid machine, which offers both metal additive manufacturing and subtractive manufacturing capabilities, is now ready to build demonstrator parts. Materials identified for the present project are aluminum and steel, as well as titanium in terms of extended system capability assessment.

The new system, said to be one of the world’s largest hybrid manufacturing machines, is expected to be capable of manufacturing large metal parts and structures for construction. It was developed by ten partners with funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research innovation program. The goal is to reduce costs and improve efficiency by producing a machine with the capability to manufacture components for the most demanding industries directly from CAD models.

LASIMM is a highly ambitious project that will culminate in the world’s largest 3D metal printer, which will be capable of producing quality-assured finished components directly from a CAD drawing. The key process technology of Wire + Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) combined with other advanced manufacturing processes and robotics enables this exciting but realistic possibility.

It will feature capabilities for AM, machining, cold work, metrology, and inspection. Its unique aspects are represented by the addition of innovative ancillary processes that are so far unseen on those hybrid platforms that are already available on the market. These processes include sensing, nondestructive testing, and cold-working methods that produce fully quality-assured parts with superior mechanical properties. Moreover, some of these processes will be carried out in parallel, leading to major cost and production time savings.

The modular approach of the  system architecture will enable flexible reconfiguration, thus enabling potential for a high number of machine concepts. Regardless, no other setup operations will be required, apart from those necessary to load and unload the machine at the beginning and at the end of the manufacturing/repair process.

LASIMM’s project partners include the European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd., Foster + Partners Limited, Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Cranfield University, Global Robots Ltd., Loxin2002, S.L., Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum für Material- und Küstenforschung GmbH, Autodesk Limited, and Instituto Superior Técnico.

www.lasimm.eu    

Nucor to invest $1.35 billion to build state-of-the-art steel plate mill in the Midwest

January 17, 2019
Source:

Nucor Corp., Charlotte, N.C., announces plans to invest $1.35 billion to build a state-of-the-art plate mill in the United States Midwest that will be capable of producing 1.2 million tons per year of steel plate products. The mill is expected to be fully operational in 2022, and is expected to create approximately 400 full-time jobs.

The new plate mill will produce cut-to-length, coiled, heat-treated, and discrete plate ranging from 60 to 160 inches wide, and in gauges from 3/16 of an inch to 14 inches in thickness, enabling Nucor to supply plate products that the company does not currently offer. Nucor currently operates plate mills in North Carolina, Alabama, and Texas.

"This investment is consistent with our drive to continue delivering sustainable, profitable growth and superior returns for shareholders," said John Ferriola, Chairman, CEO & President of Nucor. "Together with the significant share repurchases completed in 2018, the Board's decision to fund this high-return opportunity demonstrates our commitment to balanced capital allocation. We have a strong foundation to build upon as we advance our goal of leading in every market in which we compete."

According to Leon Topalian, Executive Vice President of Beam and Plate products, "By building this state-of-the-art plate mill in the Midwest – the largest plate-consuming area in the United States – we will enhance our ability to serve our customers in the region while also furthering our goal of meeting all the steel needs of our customers around the country. We expect to select a site for the new mill early this year. Our team is poised and ready to take the next step in advancing our position in steel plate products."

"This administration is taking the decisive and meaningful actions that American manufacturers need to compete on a level playing field," Mr. Ferriola said. "Tax reform, continued improvements to our regulatory approach, and strong trade enforcement are giving businesses like ours the confidence to make long-term capital investments here in the United States that create jobs and ensure our success for decades to come."

www.nucor.com