WAM® Technology

Wam processOur Patented WAM® Process

  • Near-net shape

  • Robotic automation

  • Rapid fabrication

  • Layer-on-layer process

  • Minimal stress/distortion

  • High deposition rates

  • Fully dense parts

  • Perfect for tooling

  • Produce obsolete parts

  • Near-net shape

  • Robotic automation

  • Rapid fabrication

  • Layer-on-layer process

  • Minimal stress/distortion

  • High deposition rates

  • Fully dense parts

  • Perfect for tooling

  • Produce obsolete parts

HAZ
BM - Base (Support Plate/Metal)
Arc Torch
AML3D Auto Purge 3D
Deposited Layer
Melt Point

WAM: Wire-arc Additive Manufacturing

WAM® revolutionises the production of medium to large-scale and exotic material parts by combining an electric arc with certified welding wire feedstock in a free-form manufacturing environment.

There are over 18 different types of additive manufacturing technologies, or 3D printing technologies, available on the market today. AML3D's patented Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAM®) process fits into the Direct Energy Deposition (DED) category, specifically DED-arc. Unlike many other metal additive manufacturing methods, WAM® enables the printing of metal parts in an open free-form fabrication environment using localised inert gas and certified wire feedstock. This localised gas shielding eliminates the need for an enclosed chamber, unlocking the potential for larger component build sizes. The certified wire feedstock is melted by an electric arc, and the molten metal is deposited onto a substrate, layer by layer to create a three-dimensional part.

Wire-arc Additive Manufacturing significantly reduces fabrication costs, while proprietary software improves manufacturing lead times and enhances material properties. When combined with the ARCEMY® industrial metal 3D printing system, AML3D's WAM®technology can be deployed at a much lower capital cost compared to alternative additive manufacturing processes.

WAM® is an immensely innovative advanced manufacturing solution that breaks free from the traditional constraints of 3D printing. By manufacturing to a near-net shape, WAM® and ARCEMY® can dramatically reduce material waste and fabrication time compared to conventional billet machining, casting, and forging techniques. ARCEMY® and supporting software, WAMSoft® and AMLSoft™ also enable an unparalleled manufacturing experience, providing the producer with the ability to improve part performance with controllable parameters with the touch of a button.

With WAM®, there are few size limitations as it operates without needing an enclosed chamber, significantly contributing to the technologies free-form construction ability. Moreover, its versatility with a wide range of metals enables the repair to creation of new 3D metal parts, eliminating the reliance on the disrupted supply chain for manufacturing components.

Stronger

Manufacture more superior, high-strength parts from a wide range of feedstock material grades using our patented Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAM®) technology.

AML3D’s ARCEMY® and AMLSoft™ have specific processing parameters that can be managed to improve the material property performance of WAM® produced parts. Process parameters, such as welding current, travel speed, interpass temperatures and shielding gas, can be carefully controlled with some alloys to improve yield and tensile strength, ductility, hardness and fatigue life.

Faster

WAM® helps ARCEMY® users experience less downtime on part production and replacement with shorter production cycles, saving on inventory and decreasing supply chain bottom line costs.

WAM® and ARCEMY® enable a digitally driven, on-demand manufacturing experience reducing freight costs and time with systems located near-to-demand in a manufacturing facility, or at a client's location such as a shipyard. Design for Additive Manufacturing processes, combined with WAMSoft® path planning and print simulation accelerates the prototype making proof-of-concept to production process as the tooling process is negated.

Greener

Offering a greener, lower energy, reduced waste manufacturing solution, WAM® disrupts traditional metal manufacturing processes, including billet-machining, casting, and forging.

With many businesses focusing on ESG targets ahead of Net Zero 2050, manufacturers are reaching towards novel technologies to minimise adverse environmental effects. Technologies such as WAM® use less material resulting in lower material costs and energy usage and can be seen as a must-have and game changer. AML3D's technology is proven to support up to 80% savings in material waste compared to cast and forged methods.

Material Diversity

Using certified wire feedstock, the ARCEMY® industrial metal 3D printing system is highly adaptable to virtually any weldable material and often results in superior property outcomes using our specialized process procedures; there are close to 30 feedstocks that AML3D has tested and printed with across aluminium, titanium, copper, and nickel alloys as well as several medium to high strength steel grades and stainless steels grades (austenitic, duplex, super duplex and martensitic grades). Independent third party testing of printed parts has shown stronger increased strength, improved fatigue properties and improved corrosion resistance.

Flexible

ARCEMY® uses Wire-arc Additive Manufacturing (WAM®), also known as Direct Energy Deposition – Arc (DED-ARC). The technology featuring an integrated arc is capable of manufacturing complex shapes while working to improve part durability and strength. Clients experience easier part customisation without expensive tooling costs or minimum volumes. Product size does not limit WAM® as it builds free form without an enclosed chamber, maximising the building envelope and increasing the manufacturing efficiency of large-scale industrial parts.

Quality and Compliance

DNV Approved Maritime Manufacturer

AML3D is the first and only Wire Additive Manufacturing company globally to be approved by DNV to manufacture large-scale maritime steel and copper alloy components such as valves, fittings, and other general and structural equipment.

Lloyd's Register Certified AM Facility

Without certification, parts cannot be approved for use. In 2018, AML3D became the world's first facility to receive the “Additive Manufacturing Facility Qualification”.

AML3D produces and develops the technology for the world’s largest, certified ‘production-ready’ AM systems.

Certified AS 9100D for Aerospace Compliance

When it comes to AM within the aerospace sector, AS9100D plays a crucial role in guaranteeing the integrity and consistency of 3D-printed components. Aligning AM processes with AS9100D ensures high-quality parts with AML3D's WAM® system.

TQSI-ISO-9001-2015-Certification-Mark

Certified ISO 9001 2015 Quality Compliance

We operate a Quality Management System in compliance with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 for all 3D metal printing, additive manufacturing and welding structures and for the fabrication of ARCEMY® Wire Additive Manufacturing Systems.

250px-AWS_Corporate_Logo

AWS International Standard Compliant

When producing metal components, we are compliant with the American Welding Society Standard Specification for Fabrication of Metal Components using Additive Manufacturing AWS D20.1/D20.1M:2019 under the criticality classifications of Class A, B and C.

Testimonials

Toolcraft looks to partner with AML3D whenever there is scope for their process – when manufacturing parts larger than commonly available materials or when sourcing exotic metals is cost prohibitive.

Greg Stevens

Toolcraft, General Manager Business

By building a supply chain for 3D Printed Industrial components, we are able to drastically reduce lead time and inventory costs for our industrial clients. This first phase is qualifying a component that frequently requires replacement due to harsh conditions and we expect a cost savings of approximately 700,000 USD per annum when AML3D’s WAM® technology is fully integrated.

Alexander S. De Vore

3DPC, CEO

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing, or WAAM, has the potential to enable a productivity step change in shipbuilding, able to 3D print marine grade metal structures at a scale well beyond other commercially available metal 3D printing technologies.

Andrew Malcolm

Austal, Chief Digital Officer

We are excited to be working closely with AML3D on delivering this new 3D printing technology to Victorian organisations. The equipment funded through the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund complements our current range of 3D printing technologies and opens the opportunities for working closely with Victorian and, more broadly, Australian organisations on delivering new products and processes based on this technology as well as training the next generation of engineers in digital manufacturing.

Prof. Brandt

RMIT Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Centre Director

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