KRAKEN, a new hybrid multi-material & large format manufacturing system

For three years now, several European researchers have been working on the KRAKEN project, a hybrid manufacturing system combining 3D printing and subtractive production methods. Equipped with three interchangeable additive manufacturing technologies and a 4th subtractive manufacturing head, the KRAKEN should be able to create objects 20 meters long. The development of the machine was completed at the end of September and is now available on the market.

Additive manufacturing technologies are increasingly being used to produce end-use parts: according to the latest report from EY, 18% of companies surveyed 3D print end-use parts and 46% plan to do so by 2022, demonstrating that professionals have greater confidence in the technology. However, it is important to note that it is often used in addition to more traditional production methods: for example, many use it to create complex molds and thus accelerate lead times. There is a good reason for the growth of hybrid manufacturing systems where the objective is to combine different processes to increase productivity.

The team members on the project

The KRAKEN project would not have been possible without the funding obtained under the Horizon 2020 research framework programme, which aims to increase market growth and competitiveness. KRAKEN was born from the meeting of fifteen specialists in the sector and research institutes, including the British firm TWI, the Spanish company ACCIONA and CECIMO, the European association of machine tool manufacturers. Their objective was to design a machine capable of producing 20-metre long parts from thermosetting polymers, aluminum, or both. They also want to create 750 jobs throughout the European Union thanks to this project.