On the heels of the introduction of MiniWAAM®, British startup WAAM3D goes bigger with the launch of its RoboWAAM® XP at this year’s Formnext. The 3D printer is based on the company’s patented Cold-Wire Gas Metal Arc (CWGMA) process, enabling superior deposition rates of around 15 kilograms per hour.
The RoboWAAM XP enhances the size and mass capabilities of the company’s integrated systems and is fully compatible with iron, aluminum, nickel, and copper alloys. Since 2018, it has been rigorously tested in industrial settings over the past two years with partners in the energy, space, marine, and mining industries, achieving impressive outcomes.
With a maximum build envelope of 2 x 2 x 2 meters and a payload capacity of 2.1 tonnes, the RoboWAAM XP fully integrated 3D printer system is perfectly suited for manufacturing industries needing large-scale spare parts with quick turnaround times.
Despite the addition of this new process, the RoboWAAM XP maintains a familiar user experience, consistent with the workflow of WAAM3D’s other integrated systems and technology packs. This is achieved through WAAM3D’s WAAMPlanner for tool path planning and process parameter allocation, and WAAMCtrl for process monitoring, control, data logging, and visualization.
Stewart Williams, one of the company’s founders, Technical Director at WAAM3D, and a Professor at Cranfield University said: “The key innovation with CWGMA is the addition of a non-energised cold wire to a conventional GMA process. Through this novel arrangement, high efficiencies can be obtained by nearly doubling the amount of material deposited for the same energy input. The addition of a non-energized wire greatly stabilizes the process, making it suitable for a broad range of materials. With the unique level of control offered by CWGMA, there are also opportunities to adapt the microstructure to attain the desired properties.”
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