AML is the first wire-arc Additive Manufacturing facility certified by Lloyd’s Register
August 23, 2018
An example of a wire-arc additively manufactured metal structure produced by AML (Courtesy AML Technologies)
AML Technologies, Adelaide, Australia, has become the first wire-arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) facility to receive Lloyd’s Register’s AM facility qualification certificate. The company serves as an Additive Manufacturing service bureau, manufacturing parts using its WAAM technology.
Prior to awarding the certification, Lloyd’s Register’s auditors carried out a full review of AML’s systems specific to the WAAM process, as well as a survey of its facility. The facility qualification included a review of such areas as material handling, personnel competence, build process control, health and safety, and control of non-conforming items.
“Third-party inspection offers an unbiased advantage to potential customers wishing to build parts using AML’s process,” stated Andy Sales, AML’s Managing Director. “That’s core to our values at AML. At the end of the day, the facility certification from Lloyd’s Register will help provide awareness and assurance for customers to use AML for their OEM part and component type approval and qualification needs.”
Previously, Lloyd’s Register’s facility certifications for AM have focused on powder-based processes and systems. However, the organisation commented that powder-based AM processes are typically limited by the size of components that can be produced and the available materials.
“These limitations have delayed the adoption of powder-based AM systems for marine and offshore industries,” explained Hussain Quraishi, Strategic Projects Lead at Lloyd’s Register’s Global Technology Centre, Singapore. “Using wire feedstock enables companies to produce larger component sizes with a wider selection of materials. Combined with the lower cost of wire feedstock, this unlocks significant potential for the marine & offshore industries in particular.”
“From our humble beginnings, AML had set quality accreditation as a planned key milestone,” added Sales. “Our early engagement with LR for facility qualification was a very smooth and efficient process. We gained valuable knowledge and appreciated the solid foundation of LR’s highly experienced and enthusiastic surveyors and auditors. We are excited and look forward to working further with LR as our business grows.”
