The National Institute for Aviation Research joins the Sandvik Lighthouse Program

Plans for future collaboration

Located in the state of Kansas in the United States, Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) provides research, design, testing, certification and training to the aviation, defense, manufacturing and related industries.

They offer expertise in aerospace R&D, encompassing composites, advanced materials, digital twins, advanced manufacturing technologies, and additive manufacturing.

NIAR’s Advanced Machining and Prototyping Lab (AMP) manufactures complex parts for industry and military applications. To support these efforts, Ville Gustafsson, head of the Lighthouse Program at Sandvik, along with Matt Smith, product specialist, recently completed an on-site visit and a shop floor assessment to understand NIAR AMP operations.

"Their skilled team and forward-thinking approach resonate well with the Sandvik culture. As we start by enhancing their mill-turn capabilities with our CAM and simulation tools, I see great potential for shared growth and learning,” Gustafsson said. “Together, we're set to make meaningful advancements driving the technology shift forward in manufacturing."

NIAR AMP’s goal is to foster advancements in tool management practices. The partnership with Sandvik’s Lighthouse Program will help them achieve their end-to-end manufacturing process goals.

The Lighthouse Program allows us to work together on a more intimate level to solve problems for our customers,” Andy Jonas, NIAR AMP Manager said. “Bringing together our expertise and Sandvik’s team of experts and their vast knowledge gives us the upper-hand when we take on these high technology, collaborative R&D projects.

Currently, NIAR uses Sandvik solutions Mastercam® and CGTech’s VERICUT Simulation.

• Mastercam® is an industry leader with more than 35 years. By meeting the demands of customers and providing excellent products Mastercam continues to be at the forefront of CAD/CAM technology.
• VERICUT has been part of CGTech’s product solutions software since 1988 and has become an industry standard for simulating CNC machining in order to detect errors, potential collisions, or areas of inefficiency.

“NIAR offers Sandvik a unique perspective on product refinement through their hands-on approach and drive for innovation. Our partnership isn't just about tools but a shared vision of manufacturing excellence and mutual growth,” said Smith.

The Sandvik Lighthouse Program: Pioneering Innovation

Sandvik has long been a pioneer in the manufacturing realm, for more than 160 years consistently pushing boundaries and redefining industry standards.

At the heart of this pursuit lies the Lighthouse Program, an initiative designed to unite visionary customers with Sandvik's state-of-the-art technologies, expertise, and collaborative spirit. This program serves as a beacon of innovation, guiding participants toward the realization of their manufacturing ambitions and pushing boundaries towards a more efficient and sustainable industry.

“We need digital solutions that enable us to continue to push the boundaries of advanced manufacturing, ensuring we maintain a position at the leading edge of technology and provide premier solutions for our partners,” Jonas said.