ICP-3D Project

Description

The automotive industry is focusing innovation mainly on electric propulsion and other types of alternative propulsion such as hydrogen, however, the combustion engine still has a long way to go to introduce improvements that increase its efficiency and reduce its environmental impact, complying with the rigorous limits. imposed by the new regulations.
Within the ICP-3D (Industrial Core Printing) project led by Loramendi, whose final client is the automotive giant BMW, a series of innovative machines have been developed for the automatic, large-scale production and through additive manufacturing of cores. sand used for casting cylinder heads, one of the key parts of engines. The manufacture of these cores through 3D printing allows a better design of the cylinder head to increase the efficiency of the combustion engine, which has a positive impact on its parameters, such as noise level, emissions or fuel consumption. This advance is key, beyond the technological issue, to open doors to new innovations through additive manufacturing.
Argolabe has carried out the mechanical design of these innovative machines under the strict technical and regulatory requirements imposed by a project in a sector as competitive as the automotive industry, and for one of the most demanding manufacturers on the market. This project has a strong R&D component as it is part of a pioneering development in the industry, which represents a high technological challenge.