Innovative robot welding cell: the future of manufacturing in Hanover!

Transparenz: Redaktionell erstellt und geprüft.
Veröffentlicht am

Leibniz University Hannover develops innovative robot welding cells with WAAM technology for the efficient production of components.

Leibniz Universität Hannover entwickelt innovative Roboterschweißzelle mit WAAM-Technologie zur effizienten Fertigung von Bauteilen.
Leibniz University Hannover develops innovative robot welding cells with WAAM technology for the efficient production of components.

Innovative robot welding cell: the future of manufacturing in Hanover!

An innovative robot welding cell that uses the Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) process was implemented at the Production Technology Center (PZH) at Leibniz University Hannover. This technology enables the production of complete components made of steel or aluminum and offers an excellent solution for the rapid production of larger components. By applying melted welding wire, WAAM is not only efficient, but also resource-saving, as it builds on existing blanks instead of additively manufacturing the entire component. This represents significant progress in combining traditional machining processes with the advantages of additive manufacturing, which was developed in a cooperation between the Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Machine Tools (IFW) and TEWISS Technik und Wissen GmbH uni-hannover.de reported.

The main goal of this project was the integration of deposition welding in metal-cutting production, a novelty for the IFW scientists. The robot welding cell was developed from the perspective of a machine tool and features open control and versatile programming interfaces. This offers companies the opportunity to integrate WAAM into their manufacturing systems. Institute director Professor Berend Denkena emphasizes the willingness to work with practical partners to support the implementation of this technology.

Economic advantages of WAAM

WAAM offers several economic advantages compared to traditional powder processes. The acquisition costs are cheaper, the complex powder-related infrastructure is eliminated, and the process is scalable, which makes large installation spaces possible. These characteristics make WAAM particularly attractive for companies that want to assert themselves in the dynamic manufacturing landscape. The integration of this technology could promote the competitiveness of many companies in the industry, such as kloepfel-engineering.com explained.

The research questions addressed as part of the project deal with various aspects, including material characteristics, geometry of the components as well as subsequent processes of the additive processes and their extension into the process chain. This comprehensive investigation is necessary to better understand and quantify the benefits of WAAM compared to other additive technologies. The focus here is on comparing the efficiency and quality of the components produced.

In summary, it can be said that the development of the robot welding cell at PZH not only represents technological progress, but also has the potential to sustainably change additive manufacturing in the industry. Companies interested in integrating this technology, as well as further information and cooperation, can contact the IFW at any time. The scientists hope for broad interest in WAAM and collaboration with industrial players.