Technology
The WAAM system gives companies more independence and may shuffle the way the supply chains work .
Gijs Van der Velden : “ Our technology gives customers the ability to rapidly produce parts in materials such as duplex stainless steel and high-end alloys that are difficult to source in castings .”
Surface texture
When viewed up close , the surfaces of a WAAM printed item may appear ridged , causing raised eyebrows amongst people used to seeing smooth , shiny products . Such ridges are natural phenomenon caused by the welding process , states Mr Van der Velden . “ The surface quality of a WAAM item is equivalent to that of a casting . If required , simply milling away between 0.5 – 1.5 mm creates a completely smooth surface . However , this is only necessary when there are concerns about fatigue , inclusions or corrosion attachment , which can be the case if there is a lot of pollution . And even then , it may not be necessary to mill the whole surface area .” Mr Van der Velden adds that smoother surfaces can be produced by AM , but process selection is always a compromise . “ Research clearly shows that our WAAM technology is the most cost-effective and fastest approach . Items made using Laser DED will be somewhat smoother , but the process will take ten times longer . We can print between 5-9 kg per hour . Hence a 500 kg part can be produced in just 1.5 weeks . That explains the appeal to clients concerned about lead times . Their overriding goal is to obtain a fit for purpose solution with timely delivery .”
Start the conversation !
Although some of MX3D ’ s projects have made headlines in the mainstream media , the company is essentially a technology provider . Hence the company designs , engineers and fabricates complete WAAM systems which , thanks to proprietary software plus quality hardware such as robotic systems from renowned manufacturers , are fully geared to use in industry .
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It ’ s a good sign that our process is standardisable ; it also shows that there is a lot more coming .”
In addition , MX3D continues to produce parts at its own facility , be they print-on-demand components made for customers or prototypes for own research . Mr Van der Velden : “ Software development is a key strength and running in-house production is an ideal route to fuel ongoing improvements .
That ’ s why we have fitted our machines with multiple sensors so we can follow everything we do .” Thanks to systems that automatically flag if maintenance or operator intervention are required , Mr Van der Velden is convinced that WAAM is a safer process than casting . “ We control everything on the sub-millimetre level and generate data to support whether the quality is good or not . As a company , our challenge now is to identify the right business cases . That ’ s why we make new , unusual prototypes every year to trigger people ’ s imagination . Ideally , they will say : ‘ that ’ s great , but I have a completely different idea and material and want you to help me ’.” Mr Van der Velden is therefore never happier than when confronted with industry pain points . “ If people explain their problems , we can adapt a machine to solve them . Sometimes customers indicate that a spotless finish is the priority so we can develop a slower program . Other customers indicate that speed is essential . So , whatever their concerns , I encourage buyers and users of valves , pumps , vessels , etc , to contact us . Let ’ s start a conversation !” www . valve-world . net Valve World March 2025
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