How the ADDere Process Works
The ADDere Manufacturing Process
The ADDere laser-wire additive manufacturing (LWAM) system prints casting grade large-scale metal parts layer-by-layer in three dimensions. ADDere’s systems are controlled by a suite of high-speed, real-time, closed-loop sensors and purpose-built control software built around an industrial robot’s movement system. As with more common 3D printers that work in thermoplastics, ADDere simply sources the part construction and design from standard 3D modelled CAD drawings to produce the final near net shape metal-based part. The Build Volume
ADDere’s additive manufacturing systems have a build volume that starts at around 15 cm (6 inches) cubed and scales upwards to meters for custom large-scale productions. To achieve the best results in speed and efficiency builds typically have a layer height of around 1-2mm, and a wall thickness starting at about 5mm.
The Components of ADDere
The ADDere additive manufacturing process is built around four main components: the laser heat source, the material delivery system, the motion control system and the ADDere Runtime Software control system.
The Laser Heat Source
The ADDere laser-wire system utilizes a precise application of intense heat by a 4-30kW diode laser at the point of delivery. The intensity and accuracy of the laser are continuously monitored and controlled, minimizing the amount of wear on the build. As the material delivery system feeds the metal wire to the point of delivery, the wire is electrically pre-heated and softened into a more malleable state. ADDere’s laser wire system can function at room temperature and does not require a vacuum environment, however, some exotic metals do require an argon gas atmosphere to produce consistent builds.
The Material Delivery System
ADDere’s material delivery system uses a precisely controlled and easy to work with wire delivery system that has multiple wire drive units that work together, in a push-pull operation, to provide the correct amount of wire needed at the point of contact. Using a secondary laser, ADDere’s material delivery system tracks the progress of the build, and makes adjustments to the delivery of the material as needed. The ADDere additive manufacturing process builds up the components from interchangeable spools of metal wire. The metal wire can be of any weldable form of metal, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, Inconel, Hastelloy, Invar, Titanium and many more.
The Motion Control System
ADDere uses an industrial-size 6-axis robot as the primary controller of the delivery system and is controlled by a real-time closed-loop process controller. The motion system utilizes an additional 2-axis coordinated motion workpiece positioner, which would allow for building more complex parts that have over-hanging features. A track or gantry system can also be used to print less complex parts but on a much larger scale. This additional axis can be easily implemented into the robot controller to manipulate the substrate and increase the travel range of the robot.
The Runtime Software
ADDere’s Additive Manufacturing process is completely controlled by ADDere’s closed-loop runtime software. ADDere’s software controls the heat and material deposition, providing best-in-class metallurgical qualities that minimize build distortion, porosity and impurities. Each 3D printed layer is recorded in real-time for sensory feedback and system build adjustments to ensure a consistent build. ADDere’s Runtime Software brings the next level of quality and consistency to 3D metal printing.
Can ADDere help your business?
The demand for exotic superalloy metals has been rapidly growing in the aerospace, defense, marine, oil & gas and petrochemical industries. These exotic metals are inherently expensive and difficult to machine or cast on a large scale. However, with ADDere’s LWAM process, individual parts can be manufactured faster and more cost-effectively by eliminating material waste that would otherwise result from traditional machining or casting.
If ADDere’s high-quality large-scale metal additive manufacturing process sounds like something that your firm would benefit from, whether it’s in aerospace, defense, oil & gas or any other industry, contact us today. The ADDere laser-wire additive manufacturing process can produce large-scale builds in a wide range of sizes and materials near net shape to fit all your manufacturing needs.
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