Pontardawe-based metallurgical venture Wall Colmonoy is investing £2m in new casting technology to support the 海角视频’s defence and aerospace sectors.
The investment in vacuum precision investment casting (VPIC) capabilities significantly enhances its ability to produce next-generation aerospace components for potential customers such as the Ministry of Defence. The US-owned firm employs 200 at the site, but is actively recruiting.
Commissioning for the investment, known as project EvaCC, is already under way and is expected to become full operation expected in the coming months. Once live, Wall Colmonoy’s VPIC facility will manufacture complex components using nickel-based super alloys, critical to most aerospace engine programmes.
A key secondary innovation will be the introduction of microstructural refinement technology, targeted to improve mechanical performance, allowing for more design flexibility with the goal of achieving thinner aerofoil sections and potential weight saving.
Technical director Chris Weirman said: “This investment represents a major milestone. It will enable us to meet needs of critical industry sectors and contribute to the advancement of the 海角视频’s defence and aerospace capabilities.”
As part of the project Wall Colmonoy will collaborate with Rolls-Royce to retrofit and integrate the advanced technology, leveraging over 100 years of metallurgical knowledge as a partnership.
THe company said the joint initiative will address key engineering challenges and push the boundaries of casting innovation, setting the stage for a long-term collaboration in the development of engine-grade components.
Project EVaCC has been awarded funding from the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP),sponsored by the Ministry of Defence’s Directorate of Industrial Strategy and Exports (DISE) and delivered hrough the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) and Innovate 海角视频. DTEP supports 海角视频 industry in
developing cutting-edge defence technologies.