Exploring Additive Manufacturing at lower risk

The SME specializing in the machining and assembly of precision parts relies on Cetim and the Printing Bourges platform to make a successful entry into the world of additive manufacturing.

Pierrick James is convinced that metal additive manufacturing will play an increasingly important role in his company tomorrow. “I’m convinced that additive manufacturing will play a major role in our future production of high value-added products. It will enable us to stand out from the crowd, and it’s important for us, as companies based in France, to focus on the very essence of the product, to be able to meet a specification in its entirety with as few constraints as possible”, declares Soairtech’s President.

A reference in aeronautics

Based in Châteauroux (France, Indre Region), Soairtech has long specialized in subcontracting (machining and assembly) for the medical, civil and military aeronautics sectors, among others. In this field, it produces helicopter and aircraft engine parts in particular. “We’re proud to say that every 10 seconds a helicopter takes off somewhere in the world with a part made here in Châteauroux”, notes Pierrick James. The company also offers maintenance and repair services in this field, including the manufacture of spare parts to short lead-times. In fact, it was this sector that prompted the company to turn its attention to additive manufacturing.

Faced with supply difficulties in recent years, the company wanted to explore new ways of sourcing raw materials. The prospect of replacing metal blanks from which it removes material with metal powder, from which it consumes almost only the volume needed to produce the part in question, not to mention the potential gains linked to topological optimization where possible, inevitably caught the SME’s attention. “We approached Cetim, which provided a platform and resources so that companies like Soairtech could imagine solutions, and look at the difficulties and problems that additive manufacturing could bring to manufacturing processes”, says the industrialist.

Supchad, then Famad and now Printing Bourges, Soairtech has been involved in various Cetim-related initiatives on metal additive manufacturing in the Centre-Val de Loire region. “This has given us access to machines and advice, and enabled us to carry out tests directly on the machines, train our staff, and discover and burn-in additive manufacturing,” says Soairtech’s president. What’s more, “being several companies on a shared platform means we can limit risks and learn from each other’s mistakes”, he continues. And, of course, all members are assured of confidentiality!