Additive Quality Assurance AQuA

AQuA aims to develop cost effective UK, AM supply of high strength lightweight alloys for the Aerospace Sector and utilising unusable off-sized powder via alternative processes. The project addresses issues/barriers affecting AM powder in production use:
• Maximise use of AM powder effluent from each stage of the UK AM supply chain.
• Large scale components for airframe applications
• Data collection at all stages of AM powder use enabling intelligent, end of powder life decisions
• Analyse and certify AM powder at point of use to reduce manual inspection and mitigate the risk of compromising component quality through the reuse of AM powder

The project will allow for joint understanding and cooperation via the Aerospace Supply Chain alongside other market sector adopters. Testing and recording powder in use to create control and quality standards critical to allow for the industrialisation of AM. The project will look to close gaps and market weaknesses whilst exploiting the future demands of recycling and alternative uses of unsuitable powder in Aerospace and so enhancing competitiveness in the market.

The project would provide a unique high strength aluminium alloy manufacturing facility dedicated to AM and at the forefront of AM Technology. This gives a global advantage to the UK by building on and partnering with UK expertise in AM research whilst embracing digital and sensor technologies to provide viable solutions addressing the barriers of AM industrialisation as outlined in UKs AM Strategy. It also aligns with National AM Steering Group who have identified the window of opportunity for the UK to act now if we are to be in the forefront of industrialising AM, especially in the Aerospace sector as a key adopter market. It will enhance and develop key competencies and capabilities in today's AM Aerospace supply chain with a UK-based facility for production of high strength alloys, minimising current risks of uncertainties of offshore supply and addressing ATI's objective of maximising UK sources to satisfy Aerospace supply chain needs.