When robots perform deposition-style 3D printing, adding more robots offers the chance to build large parts faster. The Medusa system developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility combines three robots performing directed energy deposition (DED) metal additive manufacturing via Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions’ wire arc additive manufacturing process. The robots apply material in synchronized motion around a shared indexing turntable, and future versions of the system will add even more robots.
Related resources:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufacturing Demonstration Facility
- The way ahead for wire arc additive manufacturing
- Why additive manufacturing and robots go together
- Another example of coordinated 3D printing with multiple robots
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