Printing a stainless steel dragon
As technology advances , 3D-printed metal structures have found their way into the industry . Not only do they have their use in highly technical applications ; sometimes these structures can take the shape of beautiful art .
By Karlee Williston , IMOA
Most 3D-printed objects are less than 30cm long . So , how is the 10m long Oregon Dragon Bench possible ? Instead of using powder , the bench was built layer by layer applying a robotic welding technology called “ WAAM ”. Made with 2209 duplex stainless steel weld wire , the Oregon Dragon Bench exemplifies how 3D-printed metal structures can do more with less .
WAAM Take a rest on the serpentine Oregon Dragon Bench at the Nike Headquarters , but don ’ t be surprised if you want to get up and move . The bench ’ s textured , perforated surface pattern evokes the flexible fabric and lightness of athletic sneakers . The ridges are not only stylistic but also hint at how the bench was made : by layering melted metal wire . Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing ( WAAM ) works similarly to powderbased additive manufacturing ( AM ), which makes up the bulk of 3D metal printed objects and structures . But unlike powder AM , which is restricted to the size of the printing unit , WAAM structures are built without these
Image courtesy of Joris Laarman .
limitations by a welding robot in an open or enclosed space . Dutch designer Joris Laarman developed the technology less than a decade ago , and it ’ s quickly catching on . In 2021 , the spinoff company dedicated to robotic WAAM , MX3D , installed the world ’ s first 3D-printed stainless steel footbridge in Amsterdam . Robotic WAAM also produces structures less expensively and faster than powder
AM , largely because welding wire costs a fraction of metal powders and the deposit rates of welding are much higher .
Preventing corrosion One consideration for the future of 3D printed stainless steel structures is the rougher surface finish produced layer by layer . The small crevices between each layer can be hotspots for corrosion ,
The elegant structure was shipped from Europe to the US West Coast in three parts and welded together on site . The surface undulations contribute to stiffening the structure . Image courtesy of Joris Laarman .
28 Stainless Steel World March 2023 www . stainless-steel-world . net