The CFA is set to become a leading center for advanced manufacturing and enabling technologies in Andalusia. We spoke with Javier Romalde, Head of Operations, to learn about the center’s model, its facilities, 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 plays a cross-cutting role in the Andalusian ecosystem. It serves as a meeting point for companies, universities, and technology centers, and does not operate like a traditional technology center. It provides an environment where organizations can propose and carry out projects independently, with access to state-of-the-art equipment. This autonomy allows them to train their own staff, gain firsthand knowledge of processes, and even operate them directly—always with guidance from the CFA.
And how do you expect that to affect companies' competitiveness?
In a very positive way. Many companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), cannot afford to purchase high-value equipment like that offered by the CFA, nor can they train specialized personnel to operate it. Here, they can use that equipment at a regulated price—much like a rental—but with all the necessary support. This opens the door to projects that would otherwise not be viable, and this generates wealth through innovation in Andalusia and throughout Spain.
During the presentation of the guidelines, you mentioned the CFA's four major areas of technology. Could you elaborate on them?
Sure. We have:
- Additive manufacturing using large-format equipment, including SLS printing, Multijet Fusion, photopolymer resin, and engineering filament. We can print functional parts up to 7 meters in length, and we have equipment available that uses advanced materials such as PEI or PEEK.
- Robotics, including process automation (such as drilling or applying sealants), simulation of dynamic environments, and portable robotic welding, which can be moved wherever the project requires.
- Metrology and digitization, where we have laser, optical, and structured-light scanners, as well as a virtual reality room for design validation and the creation of digital twins.
- Drones—including aerial, amphibious, and underwater models—that enable a wide variety of industrial applications, ranging from inspection to data collection in challenging environments.
How will equitable access to these resources be ensured?
Through publicly available guidelines, with prioritization criteria such as the innovative nature of the project, the number of devices used, or whether it is carried out in collaboration with multiple entities. The evaluation is conducted by FIDAMC, which manages the CFA, and is then validated by the IDEA Agency. It is a transparent process, and there is ongoing communication with the entity submitting the project at all times.
What kind of technical support does the CFA offer to those who develop projects here?
We offer two main services: equipment operation and technical consulting. On the one hand, we have staff who will handle the assembly, setup, and operation of the machines. On the other hand, we provide personalized consulting in analysis, planning, training, and even support throughout the entire project. If a company wants to train its own staff to operate the equipment, we can do so and support them throughout their learning process.
What are the CFA's medium- and long-term goals?
In the medium term, our goal is to achieve an occupancy rate as close to 100% as possible. That would indicate that the center is serving a purpose, that companies are using it, and that innovation is taking place. In the long term, what matters is that this innovation translates into real-world solutions—that the prototypes developed here reach the market and solve specific industrial challenges. That is true success.
Recent Comments