Daihen launches ArcBuilder 3D and contract manufacturing service
Daihen Corporation, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, has announced the launch of its ArcBuilder 3D metal Additive Manufacturing machine, along with a contract manufacturing service for large metal components in sectors such as shipbuilding, energy, construction machinery and aerospace.
ArcBuilder 3D
Daihen’s ArcBuilder 3D is a wire-arc Directed Energy Deposition (DED) AM machine, a process commonly referred to as WAAM. The new machine combines the company’s arc welding technology with robotic motion control and is designed to process a range of materials, including steels, stainless steels and aluminium alloys, using welding waveforms optimised for each material.
The ArcBuilder 3D incorporates Daihen’s proprietary AC synchronous wire-feed welding technology, which is designed to enable high deposition rates while reducing heat input. According to Daihen, the process improves deposition efficiency by approximately 24% compared to its conventional welding technology, helping to reduce cooling times and minimise defects associated with excessive heat input.
ArcBuilder 3D also includes dedicated software to support robot programming. The software enables users to generate programmes for large-scale components and automatically optimise robot paths and posture based on CAD data.
Contract manufacturing service
Alongside equipment sales, Daihen will also offer a contract manufacturing service for customers requiring large prototype or production components. Parts will be additively manufactured for customers using Daihen’s in-house wire-arc DED technology and engineering expertise.
According to Daihen, wire-arc DED was selected for its higher deposition rates and lower operating costs compared with other metal AM processes.
The company stated that customers can submit 3D CAD data for quotation and manufacture, with Daihen providing engineering support throughout the process, from initial consultation through to production and delivery.
