CAD to Path Planning

With large format wire-based metal additive manufacturing, the part is manipulated while depositing. Advanced software is critical to address complex path planning and coordinated motion between the robot and the positioner.

Maintaining Optimal Layer Height and Part Dimensions

We have developed height sensing and adaptive feedback software to maintain tight customer-specified tolerances.

Complex Parts

Complex part printing can be achieved using advanced robots collaborating with positioners and motion control software

Feedstock Selection

• Solid and cored wire chemistry must be optimized for Metal Additive processes
• Wire Placement – Critical for accurate parts
• Extremely clean wire is essential
• Bulk Packaging – Reduces changeovers during literally days of welding
• Exotic Alloys? Select GMAW or Laser Hot-Wire processes to produce weldable, heat-treatable components
• Traceability – Wire chemistry can be traced through every step of manufacturing to the heats of producer raw materials
• Lincoln Electric has a long history of producing premium wires tailored to customer requirements that perform consistently from package to package

Features

• Overhangs, TKY configurations and any intersections can be addressed
• Using these processes, 3D printing occurs without the need to create support structures

Surface Finish

• Decisions can be made during production planning regarding near-net print surface resolution, which can be varied to suit the application
• There is a trade-off – As near-net part surface resolution is increased, printing runs at much slower speeds. As some finish machining will be required, it is often better to optimize print time and apply a final surface finish during post-process machining

Saving TIME is Your Biggest Advantage

Gain efficiency in your operations by letting Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions manufacture your long lead time parts.

Case Study Example

By additively manufacturing the facesheets for large aerospace composite mold tools, delivery times for completed tools can be shortened by up to several weeks – potentially reducing delivery times of entire tools by as much as 60 percent.

Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions facilities are capable of providing complete, finished tools, including:

• Manufacturing
• Machining
• Tooling stands and other fabrication
• Assembly
• Final Prep
• Testing to accredited standards

Tooling

New tooling is often a bottleneck in getting new manufacturing operations up and running on time, particularly as engineers often need to accommodate last minute design changes. Additive manufacturing can eliminate the tooling bottleneck by significantly shortening the delivery lead time.

Prototyping

Get functional, large-scale prototype parts in days to weeks, not weeks to months.

Replacement Parts

Large castings and forgings can easily take several months to receive. Explore whether Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions can shave your lead times by several weeks.

Aerospace Composite Tooling | Automotive Functional Prototypes | Heavy Fabrication Replacement Parts