KRAKEN is an automated, robotic machine for hybrid multi-material manufacturing — combining additive and subtractive technologies to build large customised parts up to 20 metres long with 0.1 mm precision.
High deposition rates. Integrated milling and finishing.
Real-time path programming, no additional stations, real-time geometry inspection.
Savings on raw materials and energy. Automated measurement and control.
KRAKEN is an EU-funded project that created an automated, robotic machine for hybrid multi-material manufacturing combining both subtractive and novel additive technologies. Capable of producing parts of up to 20 m long with 0.1 mm precision, the machine has automatically interchangeable additive and subtractive heads, achieves high-quality accurate results including internal and hard-to-reach areas, and offers effective control over thermal stress and deformation.
WAAM with aluminium grades in all kinds of geometries; other metals such as steel can be used.
New two-component, machine-dispensable polyurethane paste adapted to additive manufacturing.
Thermal arc spray based on metal alloys, enabling metal AM on top of a polymer part.
Based on a climb-up methodology specially designed for planar layer-by-layer and direct 3D freeform production strategies. It targets 2 mm depth of cut and 10 m/min speed.
New CAM algorithms for hybrid manufacturing, including planar horizontal layer additive strategies and direct 3D freeform approaches, with an intuitive interface for generation, automation and simulation of tasks.
Closed-loop control of robot motion and end-effector position and orientation (6DoF) in real time, based on absolute laser tracking — monitored at 1000 Hz with 0.01 mm accuracy over 20 m parts.
A laser-tracker-based scanner enables in-process geometry validation of semi-finished and finished parts, with early failure detection and correction that reduces machine time, material waste and effort.
The project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement No 723759. This website reflects the views only of the author; the European Union cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
