Robots Combine for Faster Metal 3D Printing

When robots perform deposition-style 3D printing, adding more robots offers the chance to build large parts faster. The Medusa system developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility combines three robots performing directed energy deposition (DED) metal additive manufacturing via Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions’ wire arc additive manufacturing process. The robots apply material in synchronized motion around a shared indexing turntable, and future versions of the system will add even more robots.
LEARN MORE ABOUT:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufacturing Demonstration Facility: www.additivemanufacturing.med...
- Wire arc additive manufacturing: www.additivemanufacturing.med...
- 3D printing with robots: www.additivemanufacturing.med...
- Another example of coordinated 3D printing with multiple robots: www.additivemanufacturing.med...
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[@Matt2chee]

7 robots and tilt and pan table. This is so cool!

[@roberthoople]

I've been waiting to see more 3D printing exactly like this, and now we just have to wait to see one more step in this direction, and then we'll have the full cycle machine we've all been waiting for: one more set of arms, doing internal and external finishing/machining behind/below the printing. So when the machine goes *ding*, the part is literally done; ready to install....

[@harshrana2414]

Which software have they used for simulation of such systems?

[@SuperAWaC]

What happens when the build plate warps? all those clamps won't prevent the thing turning into a potato chip.

[@AdditiveManufacturing]

The build plate warping would be a bad outcome in any application! But designing the build and the part to manage thermal effects and stresses is a routine part of directed energy deposition, and one of the process considerations that goes into applying it.

[@alejandroperez5368]

This is not your regular Ender-3, boy.

[@suzi3132]

Then the robots are smart enough to build more robots. Welcome to Pandora’s box

[@AdditiveManufacturing]

😬