Kraken
The objective was to develop a machine capable of producing functional parts up to 20m long, with high accuracy and quality. The parts were made in aluminium, thermoset polymer or a combination of both materials. The KRAKEN concept (ceiling machine) also decreased the floor space needed for the same number of products through the use of a ceiling installation.
The project run from 2016 to 2019 and CECIMO was the dissemination leader.
If you want to know more, visit the project website: www.krakenproject.eu
results
Multi-material Additive Manufacturing
Kraken developed a new polyurethane paste, a new resin extrusion process, Wire arc Additive manufacturing (WAAM) and an arc spray metallisation process.
Subtractive manufacturing
The KRAKEN machine has a hybrid additive-subtractive head with an automatic quick tool exchange which allows for a quick switch between additive deposition of material and subtractive operations.
CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) software for hybrid manufacturing
EDGECAM has been modified to enhance its functionality and new CAM algorithms for hybrid manufacturing, including planar horizontal layer additive strategies and new direct 3D freeform approaches, have been integrated.
Real-time control and monitoring
The high accuracy of the KRAKEN machine is achieved through a closed-loop control of robot motion and end-effector position and orientation (6DoF) in realtime based on absolute laser tracking. It includes also Quality Monitoring systems which allows for early failure detection and correction.
E-learning platform
Partners developed an e-Learning platform with comprehensive information on hybrid and additive manufacturing processes and the KRAKEN machine.
