Breakthrough welding wire composite project

Breakthrough welding wire composition project

Highlights

• AML3D’s ongoing project to develop a new high strength aluminium – scandium welding wire for WAM^® applications is progressing strongly.
• Motivated by the preliminary results of the research undertaken by Deakin University, the project outcomes are expected to provide additional exciting opportunities in Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM).
• This new alloy development combined with AML3D’s technology will provide a clear competitive advantage for AML3D and open new market opportunities for WAM^® for both new and existing customers.

AML3D Limited (ASX: AL3) (“AML3D” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the ongoing success of its industry scale welding trials using innovative new alloy compositions for its Wire Arc Manufacturing (WAM^®) technology, enabling access to new industry segments  and promising exciting opportunities in the area.

On the back of Deakin University research investigating the effect of Scandium as a strengthening element for existing aluminium welding wire, the trials at AML3D are targeting the creation of high strength commercially viable aluminium-scandium compounds, which remove the need for age hardening heat treatment. The new alloy composition allows the creation of high strength, corrosion resistant WAAM structures, bespoke to AML3D’s WAM^® technology.

As the project enters its final six months, its success will enable many new applications for WAM^®, with the automotive, resources (mining, oil & gas) and broader transport industries (such as shipbuilding) showing strong interest in high strength aluminium products.

The company views the success of this project as presenting new target industries for AML3D’s current target markets of Asia Pacific (incl. Japan, South Korea), Europe (Germany, France & UK), and North America, with identified industry applications for the technology in these regions.

With the potential to generate new Australian owned intellectual property, the success of the project is expected to provide another competitive advantage for AML3D, increasing revenue prospects for the company.  The success of the new development is expected to significantly increase current opportunities in both printer sales and contract manufacturing services.

AML3D also sees this project as increasing its already strong collaboration with the University sector. The Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) at Deakin University is recognised both nationally and internationally for developing advanced materials for commercial applications. Deakin University is excited to be collaborating with AML3D on this current project and is looking to build upon the current collaboration by developing a range of purpose specific alloys for WAAM applications as well as providing unique facilities and capabilities to assist in their growth.

Commenting on the partnership with Deakin University, AML3D Managing Director Mr. Andrew Sales said:

“With our patented WAM^® technology well proven and approved for commercial use in many industries worldwide, we have been moving forward with building a pipeline of cutting-edge materials R&D that will allow us to easily manufacture components from exotic alloys offering huge benefits in strength and weight whilst offering all the cost and efficiency savings of additive manufacture. This is the first of some significant moves AML3D is making in this space with our technology partners and we will be issuing further updates around this materials engineering pipeline in the short term.”

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of AML3D.

Source: Breakthrough welding wire composite project PDF, Press Release, Company News