Robotic Arc-weld Additive Manufacturing (RoAr-AM) is an in-house developed 3D printing technique using a robotically controlled arc-welding process to form parts directly from a computer 3D model file.
The technique fills a gap between casting, which is suited to mass production, and current 3D metal printing techniques such as SLM (selective laser melting) which is suited to small, high-detailed parts and is currently suited to aerospace and medical applications.
RoAr-AM has a high deposition rate but lower quality surface finish and larger minimum feature size than SLM printed parts. The technique produces a near net-shape part, meaning the tolerance of non-machined surfaces is similar to most casting processes.
Materials: Aluminium, Mild Steel, 316L Stainless Steel, high-tensile steel and 35HRC hard steel
Minimum feature size: 3mm
In July 2015 we produced our first 3D printed parts using an in-house developed 3 Axis CNC bed.
Currently we are refining our 6 axis robotic arc-welding system and software to generate parts in 3D directly from a 3D model.
We have conducted a metallurgic and mechanical properties testing evaluated by a NATA approved testing laboratory.
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| add+it+tech RoAr-AM System | Tensile test samples post testing |
One benefit of WAAM technology is integrating traditional and advanced manufacturing processes.
Wanting to engineer a ship propeller of approximately 500mm diameter, we divided the project into two phases:
1 - Traditional process to prepare the propeller hub (machining on a lathe)
2 - Advanced process to shape the blades around the hub (3D printing with our RoAr-AM system)
In this case, the method to subdivide the job into two different stages further help customers to save time and money.
Printing time 25hr
Those bearing housings present a large surface area to volume ratio, making them unrealizable to machine from solid billets.
Similarly, the part might be ready in a month and at a high cost using a metal casting process.
With our RoAr-AM system, we can manufacture the workpiece within two days.
Printing time for the 18Kg bearing housing 12hr
Printing time for the 5Kg bearing housing 4hr
