News

BWE Conform™ continuous rotary extrusion technology is more than 40 years old but it continues to be at the forefront of new research and development in non-ferrous metal applications.

Following extensive and successful trials at BWE, Sheffield University have purchased their own Conform 315i machine, to continue their development of processing ‘low-cost’ Titanium Powders into a solid wire or strip profile for automotive springs (increased fuel efficiency from weight reduction). The extruded wire is fully dense and in an annealed state, the wire has excellent tensile strength similar to wrought commercially pure titanium products. Other applications include Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), which is rapidly becoming a more attractive way of 3D printing metals.

As a major partner of The Henry Royce Institute, the University of Sheffield has been awarded £34 million to fund the commercialisation of fundamental research into advanced metals processing.

For the first time, the business community will be able to access a custom-built space with state-of-the-art equipment for powder manufacturing and processing, enabling them to investigate the feasibility of using new technologies without needing to invest in their own equipment.

The new Conform™ 315i machine is expected to be installed and commissioned during the summer of 2020.

BWE development department offer proving trials and demonstrations for new applications at their headquarters in Ashford, Kent, UK. If required, a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) can be arranged and agreed. Please contact us for details.