Large-scale 3D printing facility for metal parts available to the Danish industry

Frequently asked questions about large-scale 3D printing

• How does the large-scale 3D printing facility work?

  At the facility's heart is a three-metre-long lathe, capable of handling workpieces weighing up to four tonnes and with a maximum diameter of 1,000 millimetres.

  The lathe uses a rail-guided, six-axis industrial robot that drives the process head. This means you can use the same facility for printing, welding, hybrid welding, surface treatments, and repairs.

  Furthermore, the robot installation is designed such that parts that do not fit the conventional set-up can be placed in a 6-metre-long work zone next to it, with access for the robot.

  For additive manufacturing (AM) production applications, a unique rotary table can handle parts up to 1.5 tonnes and a volume equivalent to one cubic metre, even at a 90-degree tilt and an offset centre of mass.

• What materials can be 3D-printed?
  In general, all weldable materials can be printed. This includes stainless alloys (AISI 316, 304 and others), aluminium alloys, brass, Inconel and others.
• Can materials be combined?
  Yes. Materials in a single printing process can be mixed directly or swapped out during the process.
• Isn't it complex or cumbersome to change materials??

  No, changing materials is quick and easy.
  
  The material is fed from a container, so printing can be switched to an-other material in a different container as desired or required.

• Is the 3D print quality good enough?
  We can always document the quality of our 3D printing. For example, we have documented our print quality when printing components for the aerospace industry, where requirements for durability and resistance are stringent.
• Is the product ready immediately after the 3D printing process?

  Whether the product is ready immediately after printing depends mainly on the specific application. Typically, HIP (hot isostatic pressing), heat treatment or CNC-machining will be relevant to consider.

• Does large-scale 3D printing come at a very high cost?
  No, not at all. In fact, switching to 3D printing can often result in significant savings in materials and time.
  
  

  3D printing can be significantly cheaper, as it frees up tied-up inventory, reduces transportation requirements, and is often faster than conventional methods. Usually, a shorter lead time and lower costs are achieved simultaneously, as well as a reduced environmental impact.