Interview with Cristian Builes Cárdenas

Hello Cristian. Can you tell us about AIMEN and your role within FLASH-COMP?

AIMEN is a technology centre based in Galicia, Spain. We have more than 50 years of experience in R&D, focusing on laser processing, additive manufacturing, composite materials and advanced manufacturing technologies. We also offer industrial services such as welding, materials testing and NDT inspection.

In FLASH-COMP, we participate by testing some of the inspection and monitoring devices (FLASH-IM) for the aeronautic use case. Also, as a technology provider, we are developing one of the embedded fibre optic sensors for the project.

How does your work link with other work being done in the project and how are you working with other partners?

During lab-scale testing, we had the task of testing different systems capabilities related to process monitoring and data extraction with the aerospace materials (carbon fiber + epoxy resin). Apart from understanding how every system worked, we had to evaluate their potential to retrieve relevant process information during the preforming and resin infusion stages in manufacturing. Here, it was necessary to collaborate with other partners to integrate the sensors and devices, to perform the manufacturing process, and to extract, treat and share the sensor data for later analysis.

Can you please update us on your recent activities and work done so far?

We recently finished the lab-scale developments and testing for the different FLASH-IM systems. We also had the role of defining preliminary FeedForward and FeedBack (FF/FB) control strategies, that will later be tested and refined in the pre-industrial validation.

Right now, we are defining the geometry and moulds required for the pre-industrial validation, moving to the demo geometry of the wing box.

How does your work contribute to the overall aims and objectives of FLASH-COMP?

With the integration of the embedded fibre optic sensors and the definition of the FF/FB control strategies, we expect to contribute to the project goal of “right first time” manufacturing. Relevant process data and control strategies will help to reduce the risk of defective material and waste generation, giving a push towards the green goals of our manufacturing industries.

What do you hope to achieve through your participation in FLASH-COMP?

We expect to offer new technologies and applications in the composite manufacturing field by developing new fibre optic sensors that can retrieve important process data while being easy to use and to implement. Also, we are open to new fields and partners.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

For us, it’s a pleasure to work with such a diverse and experienced consortium. We can share our knowledge and learn from everyone else regarding the different project fields, including materials, sensors and monitoring devices, data sharing and digitalisation, simulations, and more.