Flam3D member Odisee supports AM companies in WAAM and BMD
Two new technologies available to businesses
Odisee recently invested in a WAAM and BMD installation, two recent 3D printing technologies. The purpose of this is, on the one hand, to work out concrete solutions together with companies and, on the other, to build up additional internal knowledge.
Starting from a broad knowledge of design, materials, and automation, Odisee wants to build up additional knowledge on Additive Manufacturing (AM). Through consultancy, they support manufacturing companies, OEMs, and machine builders with the implementation of (metal) printing techniques. In a high-technology environment and with expertise they work together on a design optimized for Additive Manufacturing, a well-considered choice of parameters and an efficient production cycle for products and ideas from these companies.
In addition to research and consultancy, the companies can also call on their expertise and machines for setting up prototyping and small-batch production lines – from design and prototyping to production, material testing and inspection. In their machine park they can realise the entire production and inspection cycle.
Looking for case studies
The “Additive Manufacturing project” runs from September 2022 to 2024 and concrete cases are already being sought in the run-up to this. For the project, investments were made in 2 unique metal printing techniques:
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is a technique whereby, with the aid of a welding robot and AM software, a product is constructed by laying down weld beads. Techniques such as MAG, MIG, TIG or submerged arc welding can be used for this.
Bound Material Deposition (BMD) is a technique that allows metal to be printed safely. Bound metal bars, metal powder held together by wax and polymer binder, are heated and extruded onto the building board. Similar to FDM printing, the model is built up layer by layer. Once printed, the binder is removed and the model sintered.
The combination of these two systems gives them clout across the entire additive manufacturing spectrum, from large, low accuracy parts (WAAM) to smaller, higher accuracy parts (BMD). Using techniques such as CNC turning, 5-axis CNC milling, welding, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, bending, 3D scanning and CMM inspection, they can finish the pieces to meet the desired specifications.
Interested companies can find more information at www.odisee.be/AdditiveManufacturing or contact the project manager Dennis Goossens directly.
About the program
Design and Production Technology is a course at Odisee University of Applied Sciences where the future thinkers and doers of the manufacturing industry are prepared. In a high-tech environment and under the guidance of expert lecturers, students are stimulated to think up and create creative and sustainable solutions for real-world problems.
With a broad knowledge of design, materials, and automation, they also support companies through service and consultancy.