Page 10 - 3DMP Spring 2022

3D TECH UPDATE Full Wire-Arc AM System
for Production of Medium and Large Parts
The M1, showcased by MX3D at Formnext last fall, is a full wire-arc AM (WAAM) system that deposits metal layer by layer to create medium to large parts. The M1 includes an eight-axis ABB robotic WAAM setup to enable complex prints, a multi-transfer gas-metal-arc- welding power source for flexible print procedures, a WAAM-dedicated MX3D control system and MX3D’s Metal XL workflow software to seamlessly navigate from design to print.
Through the use of dynamic sensors, the control system provides continuous process monitoring and control, support- ing operators with feedback, high-reso- lution data logging and advanced insights into the AM process, according to company officials.
The system boasts successes in the field, including a joint project with Take- naka Corp., a Japanese construction company, where the M1 was tasked with producing duplex stainless-steel structur- al connectors. Effectiveness on this proj-
ect has led Shimoda Iron Works in Japan to purchase the M1 for inhouse WAAM. “The M1 metal-AM system allows us
to start printing optimized parts for vari- ous industries, including the wind-power industry, immediately,” says Shinji Shi- moda, president of Shimoda Iron Works. “We were impressed by the ease of use and the quality of the materials. More- over, this new process is very attractive to us because it will contribute to sus- tainable development goals by minimiz- ing both material and energy loss.” MX3D: www.mx3d.com
Customized AM Machines and Consulting
Aconity3D, based in Germany
with U.S. operations (AconityUS) headquartered in El Paso, TX, specializes in the buildup of cus- tomer-specific laser powder-bed
AM systems, based off of core Aconity3D machines. Aconity3D,
which collaborates with institu-
tional and industrial partners,
offers flexible application-specific systems featuring modular archi- tecture. This allows implementa-
tion of a variety of sensors aimed at improving the information rate drawn directly from the AM process, according to company officials, which, in turn, leads to efficient, automated industrial production.
Aconity3D machines feature Aconi- tyStudio remote machine control; full- overlap, multi-laser configuration; mas- ter/slave operation for selective laser preheating; multi-material options; and inline process monitoring.
Systems in the Aconity3D lineup reportedly can be modified easily given the technology’s modular platform. The Aconity2, the company’s newest produc- tion system, offers as many as four lasers and build spaces of 400- or 200-mm dia. by 400 mm high. The AconityMidi+, suit-
ed for all production applications, also employs as many as four lasers with a build space of 250-mm dia. by 250 mm high. The AconityMidi, with a build space of 170-mm dia. by 200 mm high, can accommodate as many as two lasers. The company also offers the entry-level, single-laser AconityMini and the com- pact, single-laser AconityMini, both with smaller build spaces.
To assist institutional and commercial partners, Aconity3D provides training at user locations as well as hands-on work- shops at Aconity3D facilities. Also, the company can analyze lifecycle costs and
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redesign AM parts for maximal technolo- gy exploitation, and also will help inte- grate customized AM Systems. AconityUS: www.aconity3d.com
Beamit Develops AM Process for Nickel- Based Superalloy
Beamit Group announced develop- ment of a printing process for René 80 RAM1, a nickel-based superalloy, which offers a host of energy and aerospace applications, according to company offi- cials. René 80 reportedly offers a high melting point and excellent oxidation resistance at high temperatures, making parts made from the superalloy ideal for