In a world first for the maritime industry, new RAMLAB additive manufacturing lab will feature Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) robots.

3D printing technology has had a great impact on different modes of transportation. Although a majority of the industry focus is generally on the automotive or aerospace sectors, 3D printing has also proven valuable for maritime-based applications too.

Earlier this week, the additive manufacturing laboratory RAMLAB welcomed the public to their new production center at RDM Rotterdam in the Innovation Dock. The facility is the world’s first to use 3D printing technology solely for maritime applications.

The grand opening of RAMLAB was centered around the unveiling of their Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), a metal 3D printer comprised of a red robotic welding arm attached to an assembly line. During the grand opening on 30 November, RAMLAB trialed on-demand 3D printed parts to showcase their new powerful system to the public.

The WAAM technology utilizes an electric arc for its heat source and steel wire as feedstock. The additive manufacturing system will allow RAMLAB to produce large metal parts at a cheaper and less time-consuming rate than other additive manufacturing systems.

RAMLAB is Unique for Large Size 3D Printing

The machine is equipped with light blocking blinds and an exhaust system, using shielding gas to prevent interference from the surrounding environment during the printing process. RAMLAB’s WAAM technology was installed by their partner and robotic welding system specialist Valk Welding.

Vincent Wegener, the RAMLAB Managing Director, stated:

“With its impressive size it will be able to 3D print metal objects of 2 x 2 x metres with ease. It’s quite unique in the world to have such a system. We are probably the first and most ambitious lab in the world when it comes to large size additive manufacturing.”

The Rotterdam-based manufacturing facility is poised to be a game-changer in the maritime industry, which has been among the slowest to integrate 3D printing technology into their production system.

The lab was originally created as part of a pilot program that involved 30 different participants, including the Dutch maritime equipment manufacturer Royal IHC. By providing these companies with access to their WAAM technology, RAMLAB will look pioneer the maritime market and send their metal 3D printed parts out to sea.

Source: Press Release