Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation has developed a dedicated torch for 3D printing processes and metal additive manufacturing (metal AM). Specifically, using its proprietary “rotary TIG welding technology” ^*1.

Moreover, the company is working on commercializing the technology in collaboration with Sugino Machine Co., Ltd. In addition, it will combine with the company’s high design technology. In the future, the Company will develop this technology as a new solution for defect-free, high-quality part manufacturing, which is in high demand in the aerospace, automotive, and semiconductor fields.

Overview of New 3D Printing Process

The new 3D printing process that makes use of the dedicated torch for 3DPro RotoTIG offers high quality welding technology. Specifically, it comes with no defects and no oxidation, which is a feature of the TIG method ^*2.

It also offers high-speed modeling with the wire arc DED method ^*3 and can also achieve defect-free modeling with the TIG method.

In addition, it has a unique structure in which the electrode, which serves as the heat source, freely rotates in the circumferential direction relative to the metal wire supplied from the central axis of the torch. Thus, making it possible to design a free tool path that is independent of the scanning direction. For that reason, allowing the electrode position in the direction of travel in response to the lamination path in all directions in metal AM. Moreover, it becomes possible to form a layered bead with a consistent quality and shape.

Background of this product

Currently, Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation has a medium-term management plan, NS Vision 2026 – Enabling the Future. Specifically, it features five key strategies and among them is to achieve a carbon-neutral society and expand business solutions for growth. Thus, the company has positioned metal AM as a key business field and is promoting the business globally to connect further in industrial fields.

At the same time, the company aims to contribute to innovative product development, production streamlining, and carbon neutrality.

Sugino Machine has inherited the founding spirit of “think for ourselves, make for ourselves, sell and provide for ourselves”. Thus far, has continued to develop technologies in high-pressure water technology, pneumatic technology, piping equipment technology, and energy market-related fields. Currently, it offers six “super technologies” of “cutting, grinding, washing, polishing, crushing, and dissolving.”

Notes

*1 Rotating TIG welding technology: A new welding technology in which the wire feeds from the center of the torch. Moreover, the tungsten electrode rotates around it to provide arc heat input. Thus, allowing for uniform heat input and wire insertion without direction dependency.
*2 TIG method: An arc welding method that uses a tungsten electrode and shields the weld with an inert gas.
*3 Wire arc DED method: A 3D printing method that uses arc plasma as an energy source to melt and solidify metal wires. For that reason, performing additive manufacturing. Its feature is that it can create large objects in a short time.
25 September 2024