Amsterdam-based MX3D will showcase its latest robotic Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) platform, the MX Metal AM System, at Formnext Forum Austin. Developed in response to demand from various industrial sectors including energy, manufacturing and shipping, the system has a build volume of 600 x 150 x 350 cm to meet the needs of manufacturing large metal components.
The complete setup consists of an 8-axis heavy-duty industrial robot, a highly productive power source and MX3D’s 24/7 automation package. The capabilities of the MX Metal AM System extend to multiple adjustable build plates and include a 2-axis positioner that enables the production of parts weighing up to five tons. The printer works with the latest edition of MX3D’s in-house workflow software and control system MetalXL and is equipped with new productivity tools, dynamic sensors and active closed-loop processes. The overarching goal is to promote autonomous 24/7 production of qualified industrial metal parts.
“Several of our customers are seeing opportunities to apply WAAM to much larger parts. Especially in the energy and marine industries, large castings or forgings are being replaced by 3D printed parts to reduce lead time, reduce costs and move production of critical parts back abroad,” said Gijs van der Velden, CEO of MX3D. “Since the launch of the MetalXL and the M1, we have received many requests from customers to provide them with a system capable of printing much larger parts. The MX Metal AM System is the answer to that call. Now customers can also print very large and extra-heavy certified metal components in-house, accelerating 24/7 automation and operational excellence.”
The new system offers a fully customizable robotic solution for manufacturing large format metal parts, allowing customers to tailor the system to their specific needs. Utilizing well-known brands such as ABB, KUKA Robotics and state-of-the-art welding equipment from Fronius, the MX Metal AM system is geared towards the production of large, heavy and customized metal parts.
Optimization is possible using various high-power power sources in order to achieve higher build speeds of over 10 kg/h deposition rate. In addition, the system can be configured for multi-material production with different metal alloys. All of these functions are seamlessly integrated and automated through MX3D’s proprietary MX3F workflow platform and control system, enabling flexible, controlled and advanced robotic additive manufacturing. Industry giants such as the BMW Group, Shimoda Iron Works, Dalhousie University and Whittaker Engineering currently use MX3D WAAM systems.
“The MX Metal AM system is an impressive production system and by far the largest AM system MX3D has brought to market. It is undoubtedly the heavyweight champion of metal 3D printing,” added MX3D CPO Thomas Van Glabeke. “We configured it specifically for our customers in the heavy industrial markets and engineered it to ensure speed, quality and cost efficiency in the production of large format metal parts.”
MX3D began commercializing its WAAM technology in 2021 after receiving widespread attention for the application of WAAM in a variety of projects. Most notably, this included the MX3D bridge, which was installed over a canal in Amsterdam in July 2021. The company also launched its smaller M1 metal system. Now we’re witnessing its efforts to further expand its presence in the US by attending the country’s first Formnext Forum in Austin, having previously attended shows like RAPID + TCT.
The M1 alongside the MX 3D printers.
WAAM is gaining traction throughout industry as a cost effective means of producing high quality, large scale metal parts for the energy, marine, military and aerospace sectors. MX3D is one of the most important manufacturers of WAAM machines in North West Europe. However, it competes with a variety of companies worldwide, including Meltio/ADDiTEC in Spain and Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies in the US and UK (backed by Nikon) when it comes to the smaller segment of the market. As for the bigger end, there are US companies like Sciaky and Australian companies like AML3D.
With that in mind, we see MX3D occupying a niche that bridges these two sides of the spectrum while also functioning as a key regional manufacturer. While the former trend is important in fleshing out the world of WAAM and directed energy deposition more broadly, the latter is more important as reshoring is happening around the world. As of this writing, it is no longer as important to conquer the global market as it is to serve the needs of local businesses and governments as they focus on supply chain resilience. So if MX3D becomes the preferred WAAM solution in North West Europe, that could be enough to ensure its success.
