Meld Manufacturing Says Large 3D Printed Aluminum Part Represents Milestone
As the coronavirus pandemic disrupts global supply chains, the company says the ability to additively manufacture large, previously forged parts may be of particular advantage.
Share
ECi Software Solutions, Inc.
Featured Content
View More
Hwacheon Machinery America, Inc.
Featured Content
View More
.png;maxWidth=45;format=webp)
DMG MORI - Cincinnati
Featured Content
View More
Meld Manufacturing Corp. has announced a new milestone for its large-part metal additive manufacturing. The company says it has now fabricated components in excess of 55 inches (1.4 meters) in diameter using off-the-shelf 6061 aluminum. These parts have solid walls as thick as 4 inches (102 mm).
The company is celebrating the milestone as a representation of the potential for open-air metal 3D printing’s scalability. “The material is notable because despite its widespread utilization in industry, it is not compatible with other metal additive technologies,” the company says. “With the Meld technology, metal additive manufacturing of large structures typically produced using a forging can now be printed on demand.”
Because of the upheaval of supply and demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic globally, the company reflects that this capability could be particularly beneficial: “Prior to the pandemic, our customer told us that these parts, printed in a few days at Meld, would have taken them up to two years to get from their supply chain. This global economic shutdown likely added six months or more to that two-year lead time estimate,” says Dr. Chase Cox, director of technology. “Meld represents an opportunity to re-establish domestic manufacturing capability at a critical time.”
Related Content
-
Designing a 3D Printed Part with Machining in Mind
Designing extra stock and mounting features into a 3D printed part can aid in machining processes downstream.
-
How to Meet Aerospace’s Material Challenges and More at IMTS
Succeeding in aerospace manufacturing requires high-performing processes paired with high-performance machine tools. IMTS can help you find both.
-
6 Trends in Additive Manufacturing Technology
IMTS 2024 features a larger Additive Manufacturing Pavilion than ever before, with veteran suppliers alongside startups and newcomers at the front of the West Building. As you browse these exhibitors, as well as booths found elsewhere at the show, keep an eye out for these trends in AM.
