GTarc Machines 3D Print Near-Net-Shape Metal Parts
The system uses a wire-welding process to create metal parts at production speeds.
Gefertec GmbH has released its GTarc machines, designed to manufacture metal parts efficiently and at a high production speed. The additive manufacturing (AM) technology is based on electric arc welding, using wire as the original material. The final part is formed by applying welding layer over welding layer. Compared to powder-based AM, the process is said to be less expensive, as most standard materials are available as wire at lower prices. The machines manufacture near-net-shape metal parts with quality comparable to standard manufacturing methods, the company says.
The machines are available in three versions. The three-axis version GTarc 3000-3 is able to produce parts as large as 3 m³. With an additional pan-tilt-table the five-axis version GTarc 800-5 is suitable for parts as large as 0.8 m³. In addition, there is the smaller five-axis GTarc 60-5 for parts as heavy as 200 kg.
CAM software calculates data from the CAD model, enabling the CNC unit to position the welding head with high precision and produce parts through a fully automated process. The technology is intended for fast and economical production of larger parts made of steel, nickel, titanium or aluminum.
Related Content
-
Additive Manufacturing Is Subtractive, Too: How CNC Machining Integrates With AM (Includes Video)
For Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing, succeeding with laser powder bed fusion as a production process means developing a machine shop that is responsive to, and moves at the pacing of, metal 3D printing.
-
Possibilities From Electroplating 3D Printed Plastic Parts
Adding layers of nickel or copper to 3D printed polymer can impart desired properties such as electrical conductivity, EMI shielding, abrasion resistance and improved strength — approaching and even exceeding 3D printed metal, according to RePliForm.
-
AM 101: What Is Binder Jetting? (Includes Video)
Binder jetting requires no support structures, is accurate and repeatable, and is said to eliminate dimensional distortion problems common in some high-heat 3D technologies. Here is a look at how binder jetting works and its benefits for additive manufacturing.