MX3D’s wire-arc additively manufactured industrial robot arm shortlisted in competition

July 8, 2020

MX3D has collaborated with Altair and ABB Group to additively manufacture stainless steel industrial robot arm (Courtesy MX3D)

MX3D, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, successfully produced an optimised industrial robot arm as part of a collaborative project in November 2019. Designed by engineers from Altair, for a robot supplied by the automation company ABB Group, MX3D reports that the robot arm is an entry in this year’s 3D Pioneers Challenge 2020 competition.

The project highlights an application of large-scale metal Additive Manufacturing for heavy equipment parts, with the aim of customising and optimising the robot arm for various operational requirements and conditions. It is said to show the potential of generative design customisation and a digital twin design approach, to increase productivity for tailored robotic applications. 

The stainless steel robot arm is fully additively manufactured via MX3D’s Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) process and is over 50% lighter than the original part. The technology is said to feature advanced geometry processing which allows complex organic geometries to be printed upright, explains the company.

Intelligent algorithms also determine the optimal AM strategy and toolpath direction for each geometry feature, ensuring the part is built up efficiently. While the original part was 150 kg, the generative robot arm weighs only 73 kg. 

With 24/7 production, the build can reportedly be performed in four days and the part is finished by a standard 3-axis milling machine to achieve the right tolerances at the connecting points. MX3D explains that after the successful build, the joint partners now intend to re-assemble the complete robot.

The goal of the collaborative project was to enable the manufacturing of customised replacement parts, thus allowing for rapid and automated production of large-scale parts that normally require extensive tooling and overseas production, causing long lead times and limited customisation options.

www.mx3d.com

Looking for AM machines, metal powders or part manufacturing services?

Discover suppliers of these and more in our comprehensive advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of Metal AM magazine.

  • AM machines
  • Process monitoring & calibration
  • Heat treatment & sintering
  • HIP systems & services
  • Pre- & post-processing technology
  • Powders, powder production and analysis
  • Part manufacturers
  • Consulting, training & market data
Find suppliers

Don’t miss a thing – register for our newsletter

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Register now

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • Back to the future: A decade of Additive Manufacturing innovation and growth at Materials Solutions
  • Win or lose: A CEO’s reflections on Artificial Intelligence and Additive Manufacturing
  • AMS 2025 New York: A reality check for the Additive Manufacturing industry
  • Optimising powder removal in PBF-LB Additive Manufacturing: A Digital Twin approach
  • ValCUN’s MMD: A robust, wire-based aluminium AM technology for defence and industrial applications
  • Enhancing quality and reliability in metal Additive Manufacturing: The role of laser calibration

Join 40,000+ other AM professionals – follow us online

About Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine

Metal AM magazine, published quarterly in digital and print formats, is read by a rapidly expanding international audience.

Our audience includes component manufacturers, end-users, materials and equipment suppliers, analysts, researchers and more.

In addition to providing extensive industry news coverage, Metal AM magazine is known for exclusive, in-depth articles and technical reports.

Our focus is the entire metal AM process from design to application.

Each issue is available as an easy-to-navigate digital edition and a high-quality print publication.

Discover our magazine archive…

The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

Browse the archive

Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap