Robot based hybrid additive manufacturing is based on the use of 6-axis industrial robots and tool changers to print thermoplastic, metal, concrete, composite and even multi-material parts. The technology has existed for over a decade but is not yet in widespread industrial use despite the high robot density of the European industry.
One reason for this is the lack of software which lets users use the full potential of having an industrial robot. The aim of SoftDREAM is therefore to develop a generic software solution for robot based AM, including tool path generation, process parameters, simulation capabilities and a real time monitoring.
The project results will be tested for a variety of components in automotive and aerospace by Volkswagen Group, Aerospace Valley and Spectrum Technology.,
RISE is the project coordinator and a non-profit based research institute, offering qualified research and consultancy services targeting the manufacturing industry. RISE is a significant resource for industrialization of AM in Sweden and has during the last five years developed technology for robot based hybrid AM with integrated machining and real-time monitoring.
ESTIA Institute of Technology, is a French engineering and research graduate school with extensive experience in delivering advanced manufacturing solutions such as robot based additive manufacturing.
TU Braunschweig is an interdisciplinary RTO with automotive, aerospace and manufacturing among its focus areas. TU Braunschweig has built up the necessary infrastructure for the evaluation of the theoretical idea of hybrid additive manufacturing, called “Incremental Manufacturing Lab”, mainly financed by the German Research Foundation (DFG) as well as the federal ministry.
