Company begins testing wire AM for producing mining components

AML3D’s Arcemy system incorporates the company’s WAM technology. AML3D

AML3D Ltd. has begun a program for AdditiveNow Pty. Ltd.’s client—a major Australian mining company. The aim of the program is to design and manufacture a large mining component using AML3D’s proprietary Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAM) technology.

It is anticipated that WAM could reduce costs associated with carrying large inventories of high-wear and fatigue-loaded mining components. Manufacturing such components typically involves long lead times.

WAM combines an electric arc, used as a heat source, and wire feedstock to produce freeform parts. The wire-arc welding technique is integrated with specifically programmed welding robots to manufacture large metal components from 3D CAD to a near-net shape.

The project arose out of a collaboration between the Australian companies. AML3D is a startup established to commercialize WAM, and AdditiveNow is a joint venture between Aurora Labs and Advisian, which is part of the Worley Group.