Key Takeaways
- Lincoln Electric's large-format metal 3D printing technology can replace traditional castings and forgings, reducing production time from months to weeks.
- The company's acquisition of Baker Industries in 2019 enabled the creation of a complete, end-to-end metal additive manufacturing (AM) pipeline.
- Lincoln Electric's WAAM 3D printing technology can produce metal components up to 10 feet in length and 3 feet in diameter, with a deposition rate of up to 20 pounds per hour.
- The company's metal AM pipeline includes printing, machining, fabrication, and final inspection, with outsourcing options for heat treatment and testing.
Introduction to Lincoln Electric's Metal 3D Printing
Lincoln Electric, a leading welding company, has expanded its reach into additive manufacturing (AM) with the acquisition of Baker Industries, a Michigan-based machining and fabrication company. This strategic move has enabled the creation of a complete, end-to-end metal AM pipeline, capable of producing large, heavy-duty metal components that would traditionally be cast or forged.
The Importance of Post-Processing
According to Sean Schaefer, marketing manager at Baker Industries, the acquisition was necessary to close the loop on Lincoln's vertical integration as an additive provider. "They were printing all these big parts, but needed somebody to do all the post-processing," Schaefer explained. With Baker's expertise in machining and fabrication, Lincoln Electric can now handle parts of the size they're printing, which can be up to 10 feet in length and 3 feet in diameter.
Comparison of Traditional Casting and Forging vs. WAAM 3D Printing
| Technology | Production Time | Part Size | Deposition Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Casting | Months to years | Limited by mold size | N/A |
| Traditional Forging | Months to years | Limited by press size | N/A |
| WAAM 3D Printing | Weeks to months | Up to 10 feet in length, 3 feet in diameter | Up to 20 pounds per hour |
Printing at Casting Scale
Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions uses WAAM 3D printing technology to build metal components that would traditionally be cast or forged. This technology enables the production of large, complex parts with reduced material waste and energy consumption. With a deposition rate of up to 20 pounds per hour, Lincoln Electric's WAAM 3D printing technology can produce parts faster and more efficiently than traditional casting and forging methods.
Bottom Line
Lincoln Electric's large-format metal 3D printing technology has the potential to revolutionize the production of large, heavy-duty metal components. With its complete, end-to-end metal AM pipeline, the company can produce parts faster and more efficiently than traditional casting and forging methods. As the demand for additive manufacturing continues to grow, Lincoln Electric is well-positioned to become a leader in the industry, providing innovative solutions for customers in the aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors.