AGC will use Arevo's Aqua 3D printer to provide a manufacturing-as-a-service platform that can print aviation-grade CF / PEEK thermoplastic composite parts.
Arevo (Milpitas, California, USA) is working with AGC Inc. (formerly Asahi Glass in Tokyo, Japan) to produce 3D printed composite parts for the Japanese market on demand. AGC will use Arevo ’s Aqua 3D printer to provide a manufacturing-as-a-service (MaaS) platform. Arevo said that this is the world ’s first industrial-grade continuous fiber 3D printing system capable of printing parts with a maximum one-meter cube volume.
The Aqua printer uses a patented laser-based direct energy deposition (DED) in-situ consolidation process that uses machine learning algorithms to print advanced thermoplastic composite parts. According to Arevo, compared to other 3D printing technologies, the process has the highest mechanical properties and the lowest internal void ratio of the final product in terms of total volume.
Use high-performance composite materials, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) thermoplastic polymer matrix and aviation-grade carbon fiber to print composite parts. According to reports, this material meets the stringent fire, smoke and gas (FST) requirements of aerospace and defense applications. The use of PEEK ensures resistance to harsh chemicals, high mechanical strength and dimensional stability.
"This is a milestone achievement in the continuous development of the manufacturing and Industry 4.0 movement," said Hemant Bheda, Arevo co-founder and chairman.
Arevo also provides fully integrated composite tool chain software to speed up the entire process from concept to production. The software has a composite generation design with the best fiber orientation, mechanical performance prediction and optimization, a virtual 3D printer to visualize the printing process and monitor process data during the printing process for automatic quality control.
According to Arevo, the technology complies with the stringent manufacturing specifications of the aerospace industry, including the main structures such as wing and fuselage components, engine components such as cascades, and internal components such as cabin seat frames and bulkheads. Arevo also provides solutions for consumer products, such as sporting goods and other transportation areas. For example, in 2019, Arevo collaborated with Bosch and Franco Bicycles to produce 3D printed composite bicycle frames for Pilot Distribution Group and Emery.
"We are all striving to achieve an ultra-efficient and sustainable process of localized on-demand manufacturing. We look forward to working with AGC to expand our MaaS platform in many industrial sectors." Bheda said.