Mathilde Renault from IRDL validates a 30% reduction in costs in additive manufacturing through surface treatment

Mathilde Renault, from the Institute for Research and Development in Languedoc (IRDL), has demonstrated a 30% reduction in the material used for the production of solid blades made of copper-aluminum, validated by Bureau Veritas. This advancement, achieved as part of her thesis, improves the fatigue resistance of marine structures, offering significant prospects for the industry in Benin and beyond.

Additive manufacturing, particularly through wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), represents an advancement in the production of complex metal parts. However, the surface state of the parts remains a challenge, limiting their fatigue performance. Mathilde Renault's thesis addresses this technological barrier by studying the impact of surface treatments on marine propeller blades, essential for durability in demanding marine environments.

The results of this research show that a 30% reduction in the material used for the production of solid blades has been validated by Bureau Veritas. Furthermore, the deposition rate for the production of large parts reaches several kg/h, indicating increased efficiency in the manufacturing process and potential cost reductions.

These advancements have strategic implications for the maritime and aerospace industries, where reducing material costs and improving performance are crucial. Decision-makers must support the adoption of these new surface treatments to capitalize on the opportunities offered by additive manufacturing and encourage a transition to more sustainable methods.

« « Thanks to our research, we have validated a 30% reduction in material for the production of solid blades, which not only improves costs but also the durability of parts in marine environments, » says Mathilde Renault. »

« « Mathilde Renault's work paves the way for a better understanding of surface treatments in additive manufacturing, a key issue for decision-makers looking to optimize production processes, » emphasizes the Lektaris team. »