Not long ago, innovation to easily and quickly manufacture large, heavy parts often faced phrases like “physically impossible” or “commercially infeasible.” The evolution of 3D printing is helping more and more manufacturers turn those sayings into “physically possible” and “commercially feasible.”
On the forefront of this shift is heavy construction equipment manufacturer Huisman. The company recently announced a partnership with RAMLAB—an initiative of founding partners Port of Rotterdam, InnovationQuarter and RDM Makerspace—to produce a large offshore crane using wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), a method of metal 3D printing most closely related to a traditional welding process.
The hook, based on Huisman’s four-prong design, will result in the world’s heaviest 3D-printed steel product—the approximately 1 x 1m hook will weigh 1,000kg. Thanks to the benefits of WAAM, the product will be hollow, which offers significant savings on material and lead time.
According to Huisman, “An important benefit for larger crane hooks is the significant reduction in delivery time at a cost that competes with forgings and castings, and a more consistent level of quality.”
In January, Huisman announced that it had successfully load tested its four-prong crane hook design, made of a high-grade tensile steel, using WAAM. This test proved the hook could successfully carry 80 metric tons. It also passed the company’s strict quality standards and was certified by three maritime bureaus. The company plans to increase the 3D-printed weight of the hooks to 2,500kg, which should allow for lifting even heavier loads.
According to Huisman, the WAAM technique is a competitive match for traditional steel forgings and castings. It plans to research the technology’s potential for other complex components and shapes. Besides the additional benefit of short delivery times and ability to print one part at a time, WAAM also offers local alternative material properties such as improved wear and corrosion resistance.
Interested in more big ways 3D printing is being used? Check out WAAM, BAAM, Thank You, AM.