marilight 2: A spotlight on the national manufacturing institute of scotland
This Friday feature we are shining a spotlight on the next of our MariLight2 project partners, that has been on the journey with us through the original MariLight.
The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is focused on industry-led manufacturing research and development. The team there is supporting us to deliver MariLight 2 goals around deploying large-scale additive manufacturing (LSAM) technologies resulting in lighter and more sustainable maritime components, reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Read on to find out more about the role NMIS is playing in the project, along with a wider MariLight2 update.
NMIS is focusing on:
- Leading and refining data-driven LSAM approaches
- Supporting qualification/certification routes
- Collaborative efforts
LEADING Large scale additive manufacturing (LSAM)
NMIS is leveraging technology within its Digital Factory environment, including advanced manufacturing technologies, data capture systems and its automated deposition (SMD) cell. The NMIS team will explore and deploy its directed energy deposition (DED) gas metal arc technology, where molten wire is deposited layer by layer to manufacture near net-shape, topology optimised components for shipbuilding and offshore sectors initially.
Qualification/Certification Routes
This hands-on approach extends to supporting qualification/certification steps with third party accreditation bodies such as Lloyds Register. The overall aim here is to gain industry’s confidence in deploying high-integrity parts manufactured using LSAM techniques. Beyond this, NMIS’s Digital and DED-Arc teams, together with project partner Siccar will adjust and improve its LSAM process through data-driven approaches, collecting/analysing data (e.g. voltage, current, travel speed, wire feed speed) to best inform teams during manufacturing.
This activity will assist with achieving higher quality and integrity of manufactured components as well as industry’s confidence towards more sustainable, improved processes.
Collaboration is key
And of course, key to all of the above is collaboration! NMIS is working closely with all project partners to ensure that what we’re doing related to LSAM aligns with end-user requirements and industry standards.
Delivering impact
NMIS note that the project is a joint effort, enhancing the capabilities of LSAM technologies, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in terms of design, sustainability, and efficiency. Through this, they believe that they can deliver real impact for each of the project partners and the wider maritime industry.
NMIS will expand their LSAM technical capabilities and offer their expertise to other industries where large components are required, bringing about similar efficiency and sustainability benefits. They wish to help new standards for LSAM in the maritime and other heavy industries come to fruition, leading to its wider adoption while of course ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability while delivering towards 2050’s net-zero targets.
Malin marine consultants are specialists in concept development, FEED & feasibility studies and research and innovation projects – and they offer clients a single point of contact, with access the wider expertise and proven capabilities of Malin Group
MariLight was a feasibility study which aimed to lightweight ship structures to reduce CO2 emissions, making the industry cleaner for the environment. The project team consisted of Malin Marine Consultants (part of Malin Group), Altair Engineering, BAE Systems, Lloyd’s Register, and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS).