One of the most exciting advancements at FutureWorks is the integration of Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM), which allows the team to produce custom tooling rapidly and onsite, cutting down on waste, costs and delays that occur when there is a need to source tools for specific elements of a project.
The team are also experimenting with (ALM) to recycle on-site waste materials. Although this work is still under development, such efforts reflect Rolls-Royce’s commitment to sustainable practices and the ability to ‘trial and error’ novel ideas.
As FutureWorks continues to advance towards a vision of a ‘paperless factory’, digital solutions are being embedded throughout production lines. For instance, SMART tools and control systems are being trialled to replace traditional paper-based systems, helping to track equipment and processes with real-time accuracy for better efficiency.
The facility provides a dynamic space for teams to explore innovative solutions such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). By leveraging these digital tools, engineers and designers can collaborate more effectively, capture critical insights earlier in the design process and improve communication across the supply chain, reducing the risks of errors and delay in manufacturing.