GROUPE GORGE : Prodways Group, a subsidiary of Groupe Gorgé, presents its new Rapid Additive Forging technology for the 3D metal printing of large parts

On the eve of Le Bourget Paris Air Show, Prodways Group, a subsidiary of Groupe Gorgé, presents its new RAF Technology (Rapid Additive Forging) for the 3D metal printing of large titanium parts.

Large metal parts for critical applications, in particular titanium parts for the aeronautical sector, relies on expensive and slow manufacturing processes often using combinations of forging and machining techniques. Certain titanium parts have manufacturing lead times of more than 12 months and implies significant metal wastes.

Prodways Group's Rapid Additive Forging technology was built on a continuous R&D effort and a strengthening of its 3D metal printing offering. The 3D printer developed uses a robot equipped with a head depositing molten metal in an atmosphere of inert gas. Accordingly, the metal is deposited layer-by-layer and the large part is completed within a few hours. This innovative technology quickly manufactures titanium blanks with very similar geometry compared with the final part. These blanks are then finish-machined, thus avoiding considerable losses of material which can represent up to 95% of the metal block with traditional machining processes.

The RAF Technology was developed in collaboration with Commercy Robotique, a subsidiary of Groupe Gorgé specialised in robotised welding for more than 40 years. A patent application was filed by Prodways Group.

This process has been tested on various metals. In particular, it is used to print titanium, a metal seeing increased use in new-generation aircraft. The third generation of the prototype is able to produce parts of more than 70 centimetres in size. Prodways Group is currently developing a version which would print parts of up to 2 metres in the main dimension.

With respect to other comparable technologies developed by market players, the Prodways Group's Rapid Additive Forging technology uses a distinctive metal deposition technology focusing on the metallurgical quality and the repeatability of the process. The first metallurgical tests conducted on different parts revealed an absence of porosity and greater mechanical resistance compared with usual 3D metal printing techniques using laser or electron beam sintering.

Several players in the aeronautical industry believe this technology family could be applied to nearly 50% of the titanium parts used to manufacture an aircraft and generate savings of up to 50% on the cost of parts.

Prodways Group will regularly provide updates on developments in this technology, which has already attracted the interest of several leading industrial groups.

About Groupe Gorgé

Groupe Gorgé is an independent group that specializes in high-tech industries. Today, the Group is active in the fields of security and protection in extreme environments, as well as in the 3D printing sector. It employs around 1,700 people, is located in eight countries and directly exports around 40% of its activity. In its more than twenty-five year history, Groupe Gorgé has always developed and driven the latest technological and industrial innovations.

Smart Safety Systems: Developing complete, innovative technological solutions for complex missions in hostile and confined environments.

Protection of High-Risk Installations: Protecting people and ensuring the active and passive protection of installations for energy markets and industrial and tertiary sectors in France. Ensuring the maintenance of these protection systems.

3D Printing: Enabling major industry players to find new routes to successful innovation and production processes by providing systems, 3D printers and new premium material.

In 2016, the Group reported revenue of €281.2 million. It is backed by 1,800 employees and operations in over ten countries.

More information available on www.groupe-gorge.com

Groupe Gorgé is listed on Euronext Paris and on the US OTC market in the form of ADR.

Euronext Paris:

Compartment B.

ISIN code: FR0000062671

Ticker code: GOE

US OTC market:

CUSIP NUMBER: 399451 103

ISIN NUMBER: US3994511034

Ticker Code: GGRGY / GGRGF

Contact

Groupe Gorgé - Raphaël GORGÉ – CEO & Chairman - Tel.: +33 1 44 77 94 77 - E-mail: [email protected]

Finance News – Natacha MORANDI – Analysts/Investors Relations - Tel.: +33 1 53 67 36 94 - E-mail: [email protected]

Finance News – Jean-Michel MARMILLON – Press Relations - Tel.: +33 1 53 67 36 73 - E-mail: [email protected]

Image 7 – Lauranne Guirlinger – Press relations – Tel: +33 1 53 70 74 18 – E-mail: [email protected]

Disclaimer

GROUPE GORGE press releases may contain forward-looking statements regarding GROUPE GORGE's targets. These forward-looking statements reflect GROUPE GORGE's current expectations. Such forward-looking statements and targets depend on known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those anticipated herein. The risks and uncertainties that could affect the Group's future ability to achieve its targets include, in addition to those indicated in the press release: the strength of competition; the development of markets in which the Group operates and notably the 3D printing division; currency fluctuations; obtaining the export authorizations that may be required for certain activities; control of costs and expenses; changes in tax legislation, laws,
regulations or their enforcement; our ability to successfully keep pace with technological advances; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and key staff; the evolution, interpretation and uniform application and enforcement of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), according to which we prepare our financial statements; manufacturing and supply chain bottlenecks; the performance of our business partners (subcontractors, agents, suppliers, etc.). Some of these risk factors are set forth and detailed in our Document de Référence (Registration Document including the annual financial report filed with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers), available on our website www.groupe-gorge.com. This list of risks, uncertainties and other factors is not limitative.
Other unanticipated, unknown or unforeseeable factors, such as changes in the economic situation or financial markets, could also have a material adverse effect on our targets.Several players in the aeronautical industry believe this technology family could be applied to nearly 50% of the titanium parts used to manufacture an aircraft and generate savings of up to 50% on the cost of parts.

Prodways Group will regularly provide updates on developments in this technology, which has already attracted the interest of several leading industrial groups.

This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or to subscribe, or a solicitation to purchase or subscribe shares or securities in GROUPE GORGE or in its listed subsidiaries in any country whatsoever.

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Source: Actusnews