Additive Manufacturing at Sandwell UK

Author:  Colin McGrory, Technical Director at Sandwell UK
Source:  The Shot Peener magazine, Vol 33, Issue 4, Fall 2019
Doc ID:  2019039
Year of Publication:  2019
Abstract:  
It was some 20 years ago that I purchased two SLA machines for my employer. We were primarily developing quarter- and third-scale wing profiles for wind tunnel testing. It was the quickest method to produce a large volume of components for intensive development programmes. At the time it was the only method available so the options we have now are something of a sweet shop of methods and materials. In 2018, the staff at Sandwell decided it was time to investigate the Additive Manufacturing market for our own needs. Much of our shot peening and finishing work is low-volume and rapid turnaround; hence, 3D manufacturing looked to hold the key for both masking and fixturing.