Accuron Technologies announced its first venture into the additive manufacturing space with an investment in WAAM3D Ltd., a spin-out company from Cranfield University that specialises in Wire-bAsed Additive Manufacturing (WAAM).
WAAM has the potential to produce large metal components with low cost and short production lead time. It uses an electric arc or laser to melt metal wire; it is highly accurate, cost-effective, as well as environmentally friendly with hugely reduced emissions and materials consumption. Cranfield University has been at the forefront of WAAM research over the last decade and has garnered the interest of many industry partners in this technology and won many accolades. For example, at the 3D Printing Awards 2019, Cranfield University and WAAM3D won the “Aerospace or Automotive Application of the year” prize.
Professor Stewart Williams, the Head of the Welding Engineering and Laser Processing Centre who leads Cranfield University’s R&D into WAAM, is confident that the technology will have an enormous impact on manufacturing businesses in the aerospace, energy and other industries.
Tan Kai Hoe, President and CEO of Accuron Technologies said: “We are really excited about this opportunity to invest into WAAM3D. We have been looking at several additive manufacturing technologies for a while, and we think WAAM3D’s process has a real chance to transform manufacturing. We are very impressed with the company’s technology and expertise, which allows it to make large, high-quality parts for real-world applications. With our capital investment and industrial knowledge, we hope to help the company realise its true potential.”
CEO of WAAM3D Ltd, Dr Filomeno Martina, said: “There is huge market potential for this technology, based on the interest we have been receiving from various industry sectors for over 10 years. We are delighted to be partnering with Accuron Technologies to bring WAAM forward. The company intends to bring in as many as 20 staff in the coming year to scale up operations. We also aim to keep close links with Cranfield University, as well as other institutional and industrial partners, internationally.”