Powertrain and Machining
Over the years, Comau’s Powertrain and Machining experience has been an important asset for the development of many European projects. Key sectors like Aerospace, Oil&Gas, Automotive and Power Generation benefit from the new technological advancements in these fields and the adoption of hybrid solutions in order to increase efficiency, reduce waste and maintenance downtimes.
FlexHyMan – A Flexible Hybrid Manufacturing system
Country/Business: France/PWT
Main Objectives:
FlexHyman offers a flexible, modular and scalable platform that can comply with the requirements of sectors like Aerospace, Oil&Gas and Automotive in response to their increased adoption of metal Additive Manufacturing (AM), which has advanced considerably in recent years. The project foresees a hybrid and modular system that integrates three distinct modules: each one dedicated to Milling, DED and 3D scanning respectively. This hybrid machine tool center (MTC) optimizes the processing of high added value materials (Ti and Ni-based alloys) and parts used for Powertrains (PWT) and other systems thanks to its low footprint, reduction of processing times and the adoption of cryogenic cooling instead of oil-based coolants, resulting in a safer and more sustainable machining process as well.
- Partners
- COMAU FRANCE, LMS - Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation, University of Patras, Prima Industrie, University of Souther
Project links: lmsupatras Eitmanufacturing
TWIN-CONTROL – Twin-model based virtual manufacturing for machine tool-process simulation and control
Country/Business: France/PWT
Main Objectives:
As part of the European Horizon 2020 Program, the Twin-Control project devised the concept of a new Digital Tool solution for machine tool simulation. This capability is key to increase the competitiveness of the European machine tool industry. It allows companies to analyze the various parameters that influence the process. Twin-Control integrates improved simulation models with features like energy efficiency, and optimization of proactive maintenance management. Comau was a key member of the multidisciplinary team that successfully developed and deployed Twin-Control, which led to a 10% reduction of lead times and costs, 25% less operating costs, 2% increased performance thanks to model-based control and up to 50% in energy consumption savings.
- Partners
- COMAU FRANCE, Tekniker, USFD, SAMTECH, PWT, Renault
Project links: Twincontrol
4D-Hybrid
Country/Business: France/PWT
Main Objectives:
4D-Hybrid is a novel additive manufacturing (AM) concept based on the modular integration of compact, low-cost modules. Hybrid technologies are particularly useful to leverage the potential of AM, which can be used to minimize human error and increase workers’ safety during different phases of a product’s lifecycle: from initial production to maintenance of defective components and on-site repairs. The project focused on the development of four modules featuring control and monitoring systems to be integrated into existing manufacturing and fabrication technology. Comau incorporated said modules into the all-in-one machines and robots of highly flexible work centers and robotized cells. 4D-Hybrid was implemented and validated in 3 use cases in the Aerospace, Oil&Gas and Power Generation industries.
- Partners
- COMAU FRANCE, LMS, Prima Power, 3D New Technologies, POLITO, Koord
Project links: 4dhybrid