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"In 2033, our technology will be on the first manned Mars mission"
Last updated: 2021-03-30 09:02
Procada is passionate about technical solutions that enable sustainable production and does this through Additive Manufacturing (AM). Since February, they are part of the Production Technology Center (PTC) and we have met Petter Hagqvist and Almir Heralic from Procada.
- We are in the business of helping to build complex and expensive products in metal. In today's world of metal component manufacturing, there are two options. It is either possible to cast, which is expensive and has long lead times, or to use a large blank and machine away unwanted material. The materials we mainly work with are titanium, nickel-based alloys and stainless steel. Theoretically, we can build with any material that can be welded. Which material is chosen depends more on the business case.
Using AM printers, it is possible to add material to other products, for example large round aerospace products where it is possible to use sheet metal material that is formed into an approximate shape and then protruding parts are added using AM printers. Metal wire melted by a high-power laser is then fed in and 'ejects' metal.
- Our specialty is building control and measurement systems for this technology, which saves materials and allows you to build stronger and more efficiently.
"Without PTC we would not be able to do what we do"
Both Almir and Petter have doctorates from University West. Before starting up Procada, they worked at GKN and were then affiliated with PTC.
- Had it not been for PTC with its infrastructure, the right skills and the right people in one place, we would not have been able to do what we do. The fact that we chose to join was a natural step because we rent equipment via University West and we have previously been involved in servicing the laser. We are part of the knowledge cluster that exists in PTC.
In the future, Procada sees that it would be beneficial to include more heavy industrial partners in the PTC.
- We have seen the development that has taken place within PTC in 10 years, from a few engineers to what it is today with all the technology and knowledge available. We see PTC as a new engine in the whole development where new developments are made that can ultimately give Trollhättan a boost.
Since 2019, Procada is part of our startup incubator, where they receive business development support. They are also part of the national space incubator ESA-BIC run by Innovatum Science Park.
Want to spread the technology to more industries
When asked what challenges exist in Procada's industry, they answer that they are currently working on what business plan they should have, where one option is to build 3D printers and another to assist and help GKN and other companies to utilize this type of technology. They are also discussing the possibilities of spreading the technology to more industries.
- We see that the technology can also be useful outside the aerospace sector. We want to take it to more industries where expensive metal products are built with few pieces, for example in the energy and space sectors. We have a small dream and hope to see our technology used in space, as it is well adapted for use in vacuum and weightlessness. However, it takes a long time to find interested parties and there are long lead times before a decision can be made by the companies as we work with completely new technology that involves large investments. At present, it is about 10-20 million to build a production cell. Few companies are willing to make that investment.
- Theoretically, a 3D printer does not need to be bigger than a small cube (think a regular home printer) as the technology itself is scalable. Much depends on where the market and need are. We can see that it would be great fun to build a machine that is as cheap as possible, so that the local car repair shop that needs to build a link arm for a 60s car can use it. Our goal is that it should be so simple that you only need to enter a CAD drawing and then press the button. One requirement for it to work is to get it as automated as possible.
Have you been affected by the current world situation?
- Yes, there are few who want to invest right now and GKN, which is our largest customer, has stopped purchasing. Not many people are saying "now is a good time to jump on a high-risk project". Our hope is to be able to find a research project. In the worst case, we'll have to go and get a real job," says Petter with a twinkle in his eye.
Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?
- When we present ourselves, we usually say that in 2033, our technology will be on the first manned Mars flight. Before then, we will be busy certifying and working towards that. By then we will have a stable product portfolio and found the customers who can use our technology. On a large or small scale, we will have a prosperous company and technology. The reason we started Procada is that we are sitting on a goldmine of knowledge and we know that companies can use our technology and improve their production enormously.