The University of Nottingham, the Manufacturing Technology Centre, and ITP Aero have secured £1.5 million in government funding for a three-year research and development project focused on laser welding.
The project, dubbed LADDER (Laser Automation and Design Development for Future Engine Requirements), represents a total investment of £2.59 million, contributed by both ITP Aero and the Government’s Innovation Funding Service. This funding milestone underscores a collective dedication to technological advancement within the East Midlands.
The Manufacturing and Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry also joins as a research partner. Together, the university, ITP Aero, and MTC aim to leverage their world-leading expertise to develop and implement a cutting-edge laser beam welding (LBW) solution. This technology promises a robust method for joining complex sheet-metal fabrications in aeroengines.
Laser beam welding is prized for its ability to produce precise welds with minimal heat impact on the surrounding area, facilitating high production speeds. This highly controlled process not only reduces distortion but is also poised to lower costs linked to manufacturing non-conformities in the short term. Looking ahead, the drive for stricter emission standards will necessitate engines that can operate at higher temperatures, demanding higher performance and more intricate components. Designs tailored for LBW are expected to enhance functional capabilities across various components, boosting both integrity and cost-effectiveness.
Rob Mitchell, Head of Engineering for ITP Aero UK said: “This is a real milestone for us in ITP Aero UK. We are a young company in the UK, but a site with a huge amount of aerospace heritage. This is our first stand-alone project where we have sought and secured Government funding and underlines our commitment to invest in the UK in line with our research priorities. I am delighted we are able to work closely with our partners in the MTC and University of Nottingham to develop this industry-leading capability in the UK.”
This is an exciting opportunity to work with a company with a growing presence in the aerospace sector in the UK and globally.
Professor Bennett continued: “This project builds on existing strengths and a history at Nottingham in the field of welding modelling, while being at the cutting edge of Aerospace manufacture and allowing us to consider some of the challenges associated with the production of real components.”
Matthew Kite, Director of Power and Energy, Industrial Sector at the MTC, said: “After a long association with ITP Aero’s Hucknall site, it is a real pleasure to accompany them on the next stage of their new journey, whilst also having the opportunity to work closely with the University of Nottingham, one of our founding partners.”
With our extensive experience in laser-based collaborative projects in the Aerospace sector, combined with ITP Aero’s commitment to the adoption of new technologies in this area, we have a real opportunity to boost the UK’s expertise.
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