In order to expand its product range, the company Delta Metal in Centre-Val de Loire, France, has designed a robotic solution for hot forging fasteners used in aeronautics and aerospace. The project, developed in partnership with players in the region, now makes it possible for the company to offer innovative products and services.
- 14 October 2021
After having researched, innovated and designed an industrial robotic cell for hot forging fasteners, we have now built and installed it on our premises.
Delta Metal has successfully developed an eco-friendly technology for quickly and effectively hot forging fasteners (screws, nuts) using challenging materials for small and medium-sized series in the aeronautical industry.
A wider range of products
While the sector has suffered from production resources being essentially dedicated to the large volumes consumed by major players such as Boeing and Airbus, Delta Metal's robotic solution now offers a wider range of products, particularly those with smaller geometric dimensions.
From the outset, the company has been a major player in the fastening sector and has been active in multiple domains, such as energy, railways and armaments, with prestigious clients including SNCF, EDF and even Nexter. To expand its offering, Delta Metal has deployed a research, development and innovation strategy built around the company's internal skills and local partners, such as the Effitech metal laboratory integrated within its premises.
A flexible technology
The project has resulted in the production of a flexible technology that integrates 3D printing methods and is available within the company itself. The process enables the hot forging, machining, rolling and quality control of fasteners made from challenging materials such as titanium or Inconel metal alloys. The use of such materials is all the more strategic within Delta Metal's sector of activity as they must be compatible with the composite materials increasingly used by aircraft manufacturers.
Delta Metal has also found success in now being able to offer its expertise in fastener production to its aeronautical and aerospace clients, including advice on designing, testing and prototype production, with the support of Effitech's know-how.
Ultimately, the project has been a real showcase for the region and its economic and social fabric. Collaborations have been forged with contractors and various local players - subcontractors, local suppliers of tooling or test equipment - and the company has called on the region's secondary schools and engineering schools to strengthen its capacities.
Total investment and European funding
Total investment for the ‘Aeronautical Development’ project is EUR 1 231 135; the European Regional Development Fund contribution is EUR 400 000 under the ‘ERDF/ESF OP for Centre-Val de Loire’ cooperation programme for the 2014–2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority of ‘Increase the number of innovative companies by 50%’.