Addere Offers Laser Wire 3D Printing Services
Addere is now using its laser wire system to offer 3D printing services in addition to developing and selling its additive manufacturing machines.
Addere, the Additive Manufacturing (AM) System division of Midwest Engineered Systems (MWES), is leveraging the capabilities of its Addere laser wire system, taking on external 3D printing projects in addition to developing and selling its additive manufacturing (AM) machines.
“We’ve expanded into providing printing services as well as selling complete additive manufacturing systems as a way to open up this technology to firms who may not have the throughput to make the capital investment but would like utilize its capabilities,” says Pete Gratschmayr, vice president of sales and marketing. “The service is also a great way for firms to test out the process before making the investment.”
The Addere system is said to offer many advantages including the ability to 3D print large-scale, near-net-shape metal parts. The AM systems have a build area of 1.2 × 0.5 × 0.4 m (50" × 22" × 10").
Developed to print components constructed of exotic metals including titanium, duplex stainless steel and other super alloys, the laser wire AM system can also deposit new metal forms on components made through other processes, like casting, machining or forging. Addere’s material deposition process provides the ability to not only make production runs with small part variations more economical but also allow for the repair of large metal components, the company says.
The closed-loop system is said to guarantee material deposition quality throughout the build process. This aspect, combined with its large print area and ability to print high performance alloys, makes the system suitable for applications in a variety of industries including aerospace, military and large equipment manufacturers.
“We see this technology opening a lot of doors in manufacturing large, complex and high performance components for a number of industries—and others have too,” says Scott Woida, CEO of Addere. “We’re excited to offer our knowledge and ability as a service to customers and see where we can take the technology.”
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