“Customer demand for our additive manufacturing technology is growing to the point where we need significantly more space to assemble and test our MERKE IV RPD machines prior to worldwide shipment,” explained senior vice president of operations Chris Bohlmann. “This new factory will enable us to better serve our manufacturing partners and aerospace customers while expanding our footprint in this innovative region of Norway.”
Norsk Titanium also plans to install the world’s first end-to-end aerospace ultra lean manufacturing line in the facility. A MERKE IV Rapid Plasma Deposition machine paired with a heat treating oven and a multi-axis CNC machining centre will demonstrate the conversion of titanium wire into finished aerospace parts in a production line length of approximately 30m.
“The new Ultra Lean Manufacturing line allows our customers to do hands-on development of new part programmes on the same campus as our worldwide technology centre,” said CEO Warren Boley Jr. “Titanium wire comes in one end, the CAD drawing is input, and finished aerospace parts that are fully tested, heat treated and ready for installation are produced in a matter of days.”
