Sprayforming goes with the flow

Citation

(2002), "Sprayforming goes with the flow", Assembly Automation, Vol. 22 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2002.03322cab.008

Sprayforming goes with the flow

Sprayforming goes with the flow

Keyords:: Rapid prototyping

Novarc, Europe's leading exponent of sprayforming for tooling, has announced a joint programme with tooling and pressings specialist Airflow Streamlines to develop its technology for Airflow clients in the automotive industry. Sprayforming, brought to commercial reality by Novarc in conjunction with Oxford University and Ford, is set to both reduce the cost and increase the speed of tooling production.

At present, Airflow is exploiting sprayforming to produce tools for the production of body in white panels. Tools supplied have already shown a high degree of wear resistance in press trial runs, due to the robust physical properties of the steel shell generated by the spray process.

Stewart Pearson, director and general manager of Airflow Streamlines' body division, noted: "We are delighted to be involved in the commercial exploitation of sprayforming in the automotive arena.

"At Airflow, we can see the obvious potential of the technology and will be working alongside Novarc to bring its rapid tooling advantages to the benefit of our clients. We are extremely optimistic about prospects for the automotive sector over the next 12 months and see sprayforming as another string to our bow."

For further information contact: Novarc, 8a, Begbroke Business and Science Park, Sandy Lane, Yarnton, Oxford OX5 1PF, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1865 849326; Fax: +44 (0) 1865 849327; www.novarc.com.