SMW Group AS

Production
Service
Research
Smart materials & additive manufacturing

SMW has been designing/developing and producing magnesium parts for over 20 years. In addition to proprietary high-performance magnesium alloys, the focus has also been on high-strength aluminium materials. In 2015 SMW has developed proprietary technology for the production of Al-Mg-Sc high-strength materials by ultrarapid cooling method for the aerospace industry. For past years, SMW has also been investing in metal additive manufacturing technology and raw material development.

TECHNOLOGIES AND COMPETENCES

SMW product examples:

  • very thin magnesium sheet (0.6 x 2000 x 1000 mm);
  • Mg, Al and Ti forgings;
  • Mg billets, including reinforced characteristics;
  • 3D printed metal components in various alloys;
  • Al, Mg and AlMgSc wire for laser cladding.

SMW R&D project examples:

  • Electro-conductive magnesium for space antenna box and 3D-printed casing for spacecraft electronics, such as radar or antenna (ESA GSTP and RPA projects, Jan 2022 - Sept 2022). The aim of the projects is to develop electro-conductive surface protection and the 3D-printing acceptable samples/sections of Mg box/casing/housing, which are then coated and tested
  • Innovative and efficient coating development for magnesium components (ERAF Oct 2020 – Nov 2022) The aim of the project is to develop a long-lasting corrosion-resistant, adhesive, easy-to-repeat, cost-effective and environmentally friendly coating for magnesium alloy components.
  • Development of electromagnetic shielding/absorption material (EMblock) (MoD grant July 2019 – March 2020) www.emblock.com
  • LightMe - Lightweight metal alloys (Horizon 2020 Jan 2019 – Dec 2022) The aim of the project is to the reinforcement of magnesium alloys with nanoparticles; develop reinforced magnesium alloy wire for additive production; surface protection. Project partners: a consortium of 25 members, incl. Politecnico di Milano, Brunel University, European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting.
  • AeroFML - development of a new generation of Fiber Metal Laminates (FML) utilizing modern Al-Mg-Sc alloys (ERA.NET Jan 2016 – Jan 2018) Project partners: Fraunhofer Institute, LKR Austrian Institute of Technology
  • Powderbond (EU Framework 7 May 2013 - April 2016) The aim of the project is to bonding of incompatible materials using chemical processes. Project partners: Jaguar Land Rover, JCB and others
  • MagForming (EU Framework 6 Aug 2006 - Sept 2009) Magnesium frame forging for Airbus340. Project partners: EADS Deutschland, Magnesium Elektron, Airbus Operations, Israel Aicraft Industries, Liebherr Aerospace Toulouse, Chemetall
  • AeroMag (EU Framework 6, Aug March 2005 - Dec 2008) Development of reinforced magnesium alloys for use in space; surface protection. Project partners: EADS, Otto FUCHS, EuroCopter, Airbus Operations, Alenia Aeronautica, Magnesium Elektron, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN SPACE

  • 3D printed metal components
  • wire cladding materials
  • magnesium components
  • forgings
  • magnesium coating

EQUIPMENT

  • 5000 tons hydraulic force forging press
  • CNC machines, aerodynamic testing equipment, coating equipment (PEO, PVD, anodising)

MAJOR SPACE PROJECTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Electro-conductive magnesium for space antenna box (ESA Jan 2022 - Sept 2022)
  • Development of very thin magnesium sheet (0.6 x 2000 x 1000 mm) with high characteristics -- completed and commercialised
  • Development of electromagnetic shielding/absorption material (EMblock) (MoD grant July 2019 – March 2020) www.emblock.com
  • Reinforcement of magnesium alloys with nanoparticles; development of reinforced magnesium alloy wire for additive production-in progress

CURRENT AND TARGET PARTNERSHIP

  • Our current customers include Thales Group, Bombardier, Relativity Space and others
  • We're looking to collaborate with companies who seek component light-weighting solutions.
Total employees26
Employees in space9
Export quota space13 %
Ādažu nov., Carnikavas pag., Mežgarciems, Sintēzes iela 1, LV-2163
+371 66221111
Contact persons: Eleonora Pole