Thales has inaugurated an industrial Competence Centre in Casablanca specialising in metal additive manufacturing — part of the group’s digital transformation initiative.
Thales has inaugurated an industrial Competence Centre in Casablanca, specialising in metal additive manufacturing, also known as metal 3D printing. Developed in support of Morocco’s aerospace ambitions, the plant — the first of its kind in Morocco — will supply parts for all Thales group companies and customers worldwide.
The Competence Centre forms part of Morocco’s Industrial Acceleration Plan 2014 to 2020, which supports the development of an innovative ecosystem involving Thales and its local suppliers, including the creation of a high-tech industrial competence centre.
Spread across an area of 1,000m2, in the Midparc zone in Casablanca, the centre will eventually employ around 20 engineers and technicians. It is currently equipped with two selective laser melting (SLM) machines. This technique, which involves melting metal alloy powder using a high-power laser, is used to manufacture complex metal parts that cannot be manufactured using existing technologies.
Initially, parts will be produced using aluminium and titanium. In the medium-term, Thales is planning to acquire 10 machines.
Thales is presenting the centre as part of its ongoing digital transformation, with the adoption of “Industry 4.0” smart manufacturing processes.