Hydraulic block manifold redesign for additive manufacturing
Collaborative development with Renishaw for Additive Manufacture
Additive manufacturing allows a higher level of design freedom, so the component geometry could be adapted for Additive Manufacture (AM) to reduce material mass and improved functionality, within the same space. Renishaw was given certain design and function guidelines by MacTaggart Scott, which had to be considered when redesigning the component:
Geometry
- Defined connection ports
- Inner diameters of flow passages
- Wall thicknesses of the flow passages
- Fixture points and interfaces
Function
The main requirement was weight reduction, whilst still maintaining its rigidity and functionality. Renishaw design engineers also recognised scope in the redesign for AM to improve the efficiency of the flow paths within the system.