Groupe Gorgé : Partnership between Nexteam Group and Prodways Group focusing on new RAF technology for the 3D printing of titanium parts

On the occasion of the APS Meetings convention to be held in Lyon, France, March 20 and 21, Nexteam Group and Prodways Group announce the installation of the first industrial machine based on Rapid Additive Forging technology (RAF) for large titanium parts at the Nexteam Group's facility in Toulouse.

Installation of the first industrial machine at Nexteam Group

Backed by two years of R&D work, Prodways Group's process performance and proprietary machine expertise persuaded Nexteam Group, specializing in the manufacture of hard metal aeronautic parts and sub-assemblies, to invest in RAF technology. Nexteam Group will be the first aeronautics sub-contractor to be equipped with this new technology.

Raphaël Gorgé, President and Chief Executive Officer of Prodways Group explained that: "Nexteam Group's investment is a major milestone in the development of Rapid Additive Forging technology. In partnering with Nexteam Group, which will input its own expertise in machining and finishing services, we are convinced we can ramp this new manufacturing process up to an industrial scale compatible with the technical requirements of major players in the aeronautics and space market."

The investment will enable Nexteam Group to rapidly produce titanium parts for customers. According to Frédéric Gentilin, Vice-President of Nexteam Group: "This project is strategic, a real competitive edge for the Group. We are the first in France to get equipped with this technology. In real terms, we will be cutting our production cycles and extending our product range. The goals of economic gain and logistics performance that are key requirements of our industrial sector in no way diminish our focus on the high quality standards with which our Group is associated." True enough, while RAF technology is characterized by speed of deployment, it will subsequently lead to the mass-produced manufacture of titanium blanks with very similar geometry compared with the final part. Thus making the process cost-effective, since finish-machining is all that will be needed to obtain the final part. "We will also be saving on materials with this new machine. With this process, we add material, whereas with standard techniques we would cut out up to 95% of the material", emphasized Bruno Pierrel, Nexteam Group's R&D Director.

Gradual roll-out

Delivery of the machine will be taken in April at Gentilin, the Group's facility in Launaguet (near Toulouse) to provide the aeronautics market with a full range of services from the manufacture of blanks to finish-machining. From 2018 to 2019, a qualification phase under real operating conditions will evidence process repeatability so as to enable the start of mass production from mid-2019 onward. "In under 18 months we will be able to provide our customers with titanium parts with higher mechanical strength than other 3D printing techniques, for new generation aircraft." - Frédéric Gentilin

The aeronautics and space market is a priority market for Prodways Group, where it is already well positioned with customers whose ranks include over ten major industrial players. This partnership will enable Prodways Group to offer a remarkable product range to customers to meet the standards of quality and productivity required by players in the aeronautics and space market and, as a result, achieve the group's very strong ambition in this sector.

Innovative high-performance technology for large-scale titanium parts

Rapid Additive Forging technology (RAF) from Prodways Group, the reward of several years of R&D work, enables the 3D printing of large metal parts designed for production applications. The technology was developed in collaboration with Commercy Robotique, a subsidiary of Groupe Gorgé.

The technology implements a head depositing molten metal in an atmosphere of inert gas. Metal is thus deposited layer by layer and a large part is completed within the space of just a few hours. Metallurgic analyses conducted over the past 12 months have demonstrated complete mastery of the process with an absence of porosity, homogeneity of the part in all directions, and productivity that is significantly higher than usual 3D metal printing techniques using powder sintering with a laser or electron beams.

This machine is able to produce parts within a production bracket of 1200 x 800 x 500mm. The equipment is particularly well suited to the production of titanium parts owing to full control over the inert loop and the use of a printing system for which a patent is pending. It is intended for mass-produced parts, notably for aeronautics. Several aircraft and engine manufacturers have already ordered parts and validated the relevance of this technology.

A high-stakes move for the industry:

• a reduction of over 80% in waste material compared with machining techniques;

• no tooling needed and no related non-recurring costs (forms, molds, etc...) compared with forging techniques;

• and in every case, a reduction in manufacturing lead times.

Other application sectors have expressed an interest in RAF technology for coating parts or adding functions on steel, Inconel and technical aluminum alloys in particular. This first industrial machine based on innovative RAF technology is opening the way to a new range of products at Prodways Group.

About NEXTEAM GROUP

A key player in the field of high-precision engineering, Nexteam Group was founded in 2015 from the merger of four family businesses: Asquini, Gentilin, Sofop and MP Sud. The Group, headquartered in Marmande (SW France), is a leading operator in the world of aeronautics and a tier 1 supplier to major customers. Business is focused on the design, manufacture and support of structural and flight equipment for aircraft and helicopters.

• Customer references: Airbus – Safran – Stelia, UTAS…

• 900 employees

• 2017 revenue: €150 million

• 8 sites in Europe: Bordeaux, Launaguet (Toulouse), Marignane (Marseille), Marmande, Oloron, Rodez, Lublin (Poland) and Bucarest (Romania)

For further information: www.nexteam-group.com

Disclaimer

GROUPE GORGE press releases may contain forward-looking statements regarding GROUPE GORGE's targets. These forward-looking statements reflect GROUPE GORGE's current expectations. Such forward-looking statements and targets depend on known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those anticipated herein. The risks and uncertainties that could affect the Group's future ability to achieve its targets include, in addition to those indicated in the press release: the strength of competition; the development of markets in which the Group operates and notably the 3D printing division; currency fluctuations; obtaining the export authorizations that may be required for certain activities; control of costs and expenses; changes in tax legislation, laws, regulations or their enforcement; our ability to successfully keep pace with technological advances; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and key staff; the evolution, interpretation and uniform application and enforcement of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), according to which we prepare our financial statements; manufacturing and supply chain bottlenecks; the performance of our business partners (subcontractors, agents, suppliers, etc.). Some of these risk factors are set forth and detailed in our Document de Référence (Registration Document including the annual financial report filed with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers), available on our website www.groupe-gorge.com. This list of risks, uncertainties and other factors is not limitative. Other unanticipated, unknown or unforeseeable factors, such as changes in the economic situation or financial markets, could also have a material adverse effect on our targets.

This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or to subscribe, or a solicitation to purchase or subscribe shares or securities in GROUPE GORGE or in its listed subsidiaries in any country whatsoever.

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About Groupe Gorgé

Founded in 1990, Groupe Gorgé is an independent group that specializes in high-tech industries. Today, the Group is active in the fields of security and protection in extreme environments, as well as in the 3D printing sector. In its more than twenty-five year history, Groupe Gorgé has always developed and driven the latest technological and industrial innovations.

Smart Safety Systems:

Developing complete, innovative technological solutions for complex missions in hostile and confined environments.

Protection of High-Risk Installations:

Protecting people and ensuring the active and passive protection of installations for energy markets and industrial and tertiary sectors in France. Ensuring the maintenance of these protection systems.

3D Printing:

Enabling major industry players to find new routes to successful innovation and production processes by providing 3D printers, premium material, software and 3D printed parts.

In 2017, the Group reported revenue of €276.7 million. It is backed by 2,000 employees and operations in over ten countries.

More information available on www.groupe-gorge.com

Groupe Gorgé is listed on Euronext Paris Compartment B.

ISIN code: FR0000062671

Ticker code: GOE

Contact

Groupe Gorgé - Raphaël GORGÉ – CEO & Chairman - Tel.: +33 1 44 77 94 77 - E-mail: contact@groupe-gorge.com

Finance News – Anne-Pauline PETUREAUX – Analysts/Investors Relations - Tel.: +33 1 53 67 36 72 - E-mail: apetureaux@actus.fr

Finance News – Jean-Michel MARMILLON – Press Relations - Tel.: +33 1 53 67 36 73 - E-mail: jmmarmillon@actus.fr