Latvia increases its competitiveness in the Baltic industrial market: TSI opens a unique laboratory

The official opening event took place on March 26 Transport and Communications Institute (TSI) for the laboratory of additive manufacturing technology – “AdditiveLab”, during which entrepreneurs, scientists, students and researchers had the opportunity to network, discuss the development possibilities of innovative products or solutions, using the new equipment, which is unique and currently the only one in the Baltic region.

TSI “AdditiveLab” is the only laboratory in Latvia that focuses on the research and development of 3D metal printing technologies, providing the field with excellent innovation, expanding knowledge and creating a support environment that includes both product development and various national and international solutions from the early idea stage development to global market conquest. The laboratory offers collaboration opportunities in various industrial sectors, including transport, aviation and general industry.

The event was opened by TSI vice-rector for academic and scientific work, professor, Dr. sc. Eng. Mihails Savrasov, and the visitors were introduced to the operation and equipment of the laboratory Faculties of engineering dean, professor, Ph. D., Emmanuel Merchan. “AdditiveLab” manager Mg.sc.ing. Arseniy Kisarev comments: “Laboratory equipment can work with a variety of materials such as aluminum alloys, nickel alloys, structural steels and stainless steels.. We also work on software development to control robots and processes, as well as predict and maintain technological parameters and functions. And this is just the beginning, so stay tuned!“

During the event, the equipment of the Additive Manufacturing Technology Laboratory was demonstrated, which includes “Yaskawa” high-precision industrial robots and two axis stations, “Fronius” electric arc power supply, “Meltio” laser power supply, “Wenglor” laser geometry sensors, etc., which are vital necessary in modern production or product development processes and will allow the implementation of projects of various scales. Also, within the laboratory, there will be extensive support from leading specialists – high-level engineers and experts in the field of science, who will help students, researchers and companies develop innovative products with high added value.

The main topics of networking were the possibilities of “AdditiveLab”, including “print-on-demand” 3D metal printing technologies, software development and solutions, implementation of research projects with unique industrial robot equipment, etc. At the event, visitors also had the opportunity to gain insight into a new robotics and additive technology innovations in the operation of the research cluster.

Joerg Lewizky, director of the branch of “Yaskawa Nordic AB” in Latvia, speaking about already developed solutions within the laboratory, states: “”Yaskawa” is one of the largest robot manufacturers in the world, and in this sense, any cooperation with companies that operate and educate in the field of high technology, we too have progress. By receiving your feedback and feedback on the application already developed in the laboratory, we can think about what to improve in our equipment – and these are not only the robots themselves, but also deeper automation tools for production processes. Therefore, cooperation with you and your “know-how” is also reflected in our activities. “AdditiveLab” is equipped with two high-tech laser and plasma robots – there are no robots of this type in the Baltic region. TSI is a leader in this regard – in terms of equipment availability, welding, laser source and high-speed and precision robots – the “AdditiveLab” laboratory is unique, I can definitely confirm that.”

The opening event took place within the framework of the Metalworking Industry Association (MASOC) members’ conference and was positively evaluated by representatives of leading companies, which confirms significant cooperation in science, industry and business.