The CFA is set to become one of the major benchmarks in advanced manufacturing and enabling technologies in Andalusia. We spoke with Javier Romalde, Head of Operations, to learn about the center's model, its equipment and how it plans to drive industrial innovation in the region and beyond.
What role does the CFA play in promoting industrial innovation in Andalusia?
The CFA has a transversal role in the Andalusian ecosystem. It is a meeting point between companies, universities and technology centers, and does not function as a traditional technology center. It offers an environment where entities can propose and execute projects with autonomy, accessing state-of-the-art equipment. This autonomy allows them to train their own staff, learn about processes first hand and even operate them directly, always with the advice of the CFA.
And how do you expect that to impact the competitiveness of companies?
In a very positive way. Many companies, especially SMEs, cannot afford to purchase high-value equipment such as that offered by the CFA, nor train specialized personnel to operate it. Here they can use that equipment for a regulated price, as if it were a rental, but with all the necessary support. This opens the door to projects that otherwise would not be viable, and this generates wealth in Andalusian and national innovation.
During the presentation of the bases, you commented on the four main technological areas of the CFA. Could you elaborate on them?
Of course. We have:
- Additive manufacturing,, with large format equipment, SLS printing, Multijet Fusion, photopolymer resin and technical filament. We can print functional parts up to 7 meters, and we have equipment available using advanced materials such as PEI or PEEK.
- Robotics, with process automation (such as drilling or sealant application), simulation of dynamic environments and portable robotic welding, which can be moved to wherever the project requires.
- Metrology and digitalization, where we have laser, optical and structured light scanners, as well as a virtual reality room for design validation and creation of digital twins.
- Drones, both aerial, amphibious and underwater, which allow for a wide variety of industrial applications, from inspection to data collection in difficult environments.
How will equitable access to these resources be guaranteed?
Through public regulatory bases, with prioritization criteria such as the innovative nature of the project, the number of equipment used or if it is carried out in collaboration between several entities. The evaluation is carried out by Fidamc, which manages the CFA, and then the IDEA Agency validates this evaluation. It is a transparent process and there is communication with the entity presenting the project at all times.
What kind of technical support does the CFA offer to those who develop projects here?
We offer two main lines: equipment operation and technical advice. On the one hand, we will have personnel who will be in charge of the assembly, preparation and use of the machines. On the other hand, we give personalized advice in analysis, planning, training and even accompaniment during the whole project. If a company wants to train its own personnel to operate equipment, we can do it and accompany them in their learning curve.
What goals does the CFA set for itself in the medium and long term?
In the medium term, to achieve an occupancy rate as close to 100 % as possible. That would indicate that the center is being useful, that companies are using it and that innovation is being generated. In the long term, the important thing is that this innovation translates into real solutions. That the prototypes made here reach the market and solve concrete industrial challenges. That is the real success.
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