Atlas Copco and Conflux successfully collaborate on next generation heat exchangers
3D Printing
Conflux is proud to announce we have concluded a successful project with Atlas Copco to investigate the next generation of heat exchangers for their compressor systems. Atlas Copco had wanted to investigate not just the performance advantages that additive manufacturing could provide by working with Conflux Technology but also explore part consolidation and removing the need for sub assembly and brazing of multiple components.
“Atlas Copco and Conflux Technology successfully conclude a collaborative project investigating next-generation additive-manufactured heat exchangers
Wilrijk, Belgium and Geelong, Australia: Atlas Copco is pleased to announce that Conflux Technology has delivered an 18-month additive manufacturing discovery and demonstration project. Atlas Copco partnered with Conflux to investigate additive manufacturing heat exchange technology with regards to part consolidation and performance with a corresponding business case evaluation.
Conflux Technology analysed an existing Atlas Copco product subsystem and then designed an alternative solution that streamlined the system by consolidating multiple braised, welded, and bolted parts into ‘AM parts; demonstrated performance improvement potential; and carried out a business case analysis providing input for future technology investment decisions within Atlas Copco.
Luc de Beul, VP of New Business Technologies, Atlas Copco: “Efficiency gains in heat exchange requires substantial innovation. In Conflux we found a highly inventive company that has expertise in fundamental thermophysical modelling, engineering design creativity, and AM process know-how. Conflux conducted a highly professional program and could cope with the risks that materialized during this challenging project. A great deal of insight was gained that gives input to our AM roadmap.”
Conflux Technology Founder and CEO, Michael Fuller explained that “Conflux heat exchangers derive their performance from highly complex geometries that make use of the inherent freedoms afforded by
Additive Manufacturing. Our team of scientists and engineers developed a highly innovative heat exchange application that improved fundamental thermal effi whilst consolidating the system-level bill of materials. | look forward to future collaborations with Atlas Copco as they continue their journey with Additive Manufacturing.”
About Conflux Technology
Conflux Technology is solely focused on the design and development of heat exchanger technology. With a team of scientists and engineers covering thermal and fluid dynamics, engineering design and metal AM process optimisation, Conflux Technology is the expert in helping organisations leverage AM with solutions to thermal management problems.
About Atlas Copco
Atlas Copco Airpower N.V., of Atlas Copco AB, manufactures portable and stationary air compressors. The Compressor Technique Business Area of the Atlas Copco Group provides compressed air solutions; industrial compressors, gas and process compressors and expanders, air and gas treatment equipment and air management systems. The business area has a global service network and innovates for sustainable productivity in the manufacturing, oil and gas, and process industries. Principal product development and manufacturing units are located in Belgium, the United States, China, India, Germany”
