Gefertec has unveiled a new manufacturing system for producing titanium components using additive methods. The Arctitan is built on WAAM technology (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing), a process in which metal wire is deposited layer by layer using an electric arc to form a three-dimensional workpiece.
Titanium as a demanding material
Titanium is well suited to applications that require high strength combined with low weight and strong corrosion resistance. At the same time, the material is difficult to machine and relatively expensive. When building titanium additively, controlling the surrounding atmosphere is critical, because the metal reacts strongly with oxygen at high temperatures. The Arctitan is designed specifically to meet these requirements.
Advantages of WAAM
The wire-based approach makes it possible to produce larger components at a high deposition rate. Compared with subtractive machining, which removes a great deal of material, this method can significantly cut material consumption. For a costly material such as titanium, that represents an important economic benefit.
- More efficient use of raw materials
- Suitable for larger workpieces
- Shorter lead times for complex geometries
For the manufacturing industry, this opens up opportunities in sectors where titanium components are common, such as aerospace, medical technology and heavy machinery. Companies can produce closer to the final shape and reduce the amount of finishing work required.