Materials & Processes
CATEC features a wide variety of technologies for non-destructive testing and failure analysis of aircraft components such ultrasonic phased array, infrared thermography and laser shearography. Additionally, high detail 3D characterization can be also performed by means of X-ray computed tomography.
A second research line comprises the development and design of aerospace components for additive manufacturing, including topology optimization for metal and polymer base fabrication technologies (SLM, SLS, FDM, …).
Furthermore, the division have a great potential for mechanical testing of components and structures, involving static and fatigue tests up to 4,000 KN, impact testing, modal analysis, digital image correlation for recording strains and 3D displacements, as well as altitude and HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing) environmental chambers.
CATEC has participated and is currently involved in several aerospace projects within the national and international community, in conjunction with customers like AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE (Centro Bahía de Cádiz, Puerto de Santamaría; San Pablo Factory, Sevilla; Tablada Factory, Sevilla; Central Headquarters in Barajas, Madrid), AIRBUS HELICOPTER, TECNATOM, CiTD, CT-INGENIEROS, ESA (European Space Agency), ALESTIS AEROSPACE, AERNNOVA, HEROUX-DEVTEK, etc., and from other industrial sectors like GAMESA, TORSA y BSH.
EQUIPMENT
Non-Destructive Testing
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X-Ray computed tomography system for 3D characterization of components (the system allows reduced angle inspection)
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Infrared thermography inspection system: pulse, transit and lock-in
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Laser shearography inspection system with different excitation possibilities: thermal, partial vacuum and acoustic
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Phased array and single element ultrasonic inspection system. C-scan generation even in curved surfaces and radii inspection
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Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system based in FBG sensors
Additive Manufacturing
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Additive Layer Manufacturing (Powder Bed Laser Fusion) system for metal fabrication (200W)
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Additive Layer Manufacturing (Powder Bed Laser Fusion) system for metal fabrication (500W)
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Selective Laser Melting system for polyamide (Additive Layer Manufacturing)
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Additive Manufacturing system (Direct Energy Deposition - Laser) for metals
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Additive Layer Manufacturing (Fusion Deposition Modelling) system for thermoplastic materials
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Additive Layer Manufacturing (Fusion Deposition Modelling) for composite materials
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Tratamientos superficiales asociados Sand blasting Dry blasting station
Topology optimization
Mechanical Characterization at coupon level
Structural testing
Environmental testing
Automation & Robotics
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High accuracy robots
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Industrial robots for medium-heavy payloads
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Collaborative Robot - KUKA
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Collaborative Robot - Universal Robot
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Scalable Laser Scanner
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Laser projector
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Spindle
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Laser-based Measurement Systems
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Force Sensors
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Tool Changer
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Infrared and vision system cameras
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Omnidirectional Platform
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4x4 Platform
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Pneumatic actuators and programmable controllers
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Data acquisition systems
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RFID System
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3D printer
ORGANIZATION
Dr. Jesús Boby Alcaide
CTO Smart Industry
Carlos Galleguillos Roiboo
Head of Testing & Advanced Processes unit
Antonio Periñán Butrón
Head of Additive Manufacturing unit
Eduardo Ferrera Cabanillas
Head of AI & Robotics unit