FOCUS ON WELDING
SUPPORTING
All images and tables provided by Fronius International .
Additive build-up of the pipe branch with weld layers at Fronius International GmbH Welding Lab ( Thalheim , Austria ).
NEW STANDARDS
As metal 3D printing advances , the model qualification of an additively manufactured pressure vessel is chronicled here by Fronius . In concert with its partners , a binding additive manufacturing procedure specification ( AMPS ) was subsequently created .
“ Fronius employed its MIG-based Cold Metal Transfer ( CMT ) welding process , and its Additive Pro functions , for the model qualification of an additively manufactured component .”
Arc-based metal 3D printing is well on the way to radically changing metal component manufacturing . The nearnet-shape additive manufacturing process with welding wire shapes three-dimensional objects by applying welding beads , layer by layer . Examples can be found in plant engineering , aircraft construction and toolmaking or lightweight construction .
This is particularly advantageous for complex geometries with a high proportion of machining . Here , the process is more flexible and often more economical than machining or forming processes . There are also benefits in the spare parts business , prototype construction and small series production .
Standards for metal 3D printing are now available in North America , and are in progress
By
Fronius International .
for additively manufactured , unfired pressure vessels in Europe . Linde Engineering , MIGAL . CO , TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH and Fronius International GmbH are cooperating on this to help the wire-based manufacturing method break through .
Tailor-made and justin-time components
Classic manufacturing techniques , such as casting , are often associated with the construction of complex moulds and tools . There are also lead times and development costs to consider .
However , companies that adopt metal 3D printing can significantly shorten their production cycles . Additive manufacturing processes not only drive the rapid production of sample parts ( rapid prototyping ), but also just-in-time manufacturing . As such , they help to avoid risky single-source situations — in other words , dependence upon individual suppliers , and the associated high storage costs .
When various components are needed , the correct “ recipes ” are selected in the software and “ printed ” as required . There are hardly any limits for component geometries .
In contrast , topology and flow-optimised designs feature prominently in everyday production in additive manufacturing ( even for large components ).
64 | ismr . net | ISMR December 2024 / January 2025