WAAM

Revolutionizing Manufacturing

Understanding WAAM

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is an advanced additive manufacturing process using gas metal arc welding. In this process, wire is melted using an electric arc and applied layer by layer to produce strong, metallurgically bonded components.

Thanks to its high deposition rates and targeted material application, WAAM is both energy- and material-efficient. It is particularly well suited for the production of near-net-shape semi-finished products, minimizing the need for costly machining and reducing material waste.

Process illustration: Close-up of WAAM process with electric arc melting wire filler layer-by-layer, illustrating Heggemann's energy-efficient additive manufacturing for aerospace

Advantages at a Glance

Reduced Production Time
Up to

60
%

Reduced Post-Processing Time
Up to

20
%

Reduced Costs
Up to

30
%

High Deposition Rates
Up to

2.5
kg/h
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing

Why WAAM?

WAAM offers significant advantages over conventional additive manufacturing processes, such as higher deposition rates of up to 2.5 kg/h - five times more than conventional processes.

It cuts production time by 40-60 % and post-processing by 15-20 %.
Multi-axis robotic welding ensures flexibility, making WAAM ideal for large-scale component manufacturing.

Wire as feedstock offers essential advantages compared to powder: almost complete material utilization, lower costs, and safe handling without metallic fine dust.

EFFICIENCY. Sustainability. flexibility.

Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing significantly reduces material waste, energy consumption, and production costs by minimizing complex machining processes. Its revolutionary design freedom enables lightweight construction and customization, making it ideal for sustainable small-batch production.

WAAM uses gas metal arc welding, in which an electric arc is used to melt the wire and deposit it layer by layer. The Fronius Cold metal transfer (CMT®) technology minimizes heat input and further reduces energy consumption.

Concept & Planning
  • Feasibility studies
  • Specifications
  • Data collection
  • Component design
Quality Assurance
  • Comprehensive inspections
  • Documentation
  • Qualification
  • Certification
Production
  • Engineering & prototyping
  • Tooling development
  • Surface & heat treatments
  • Material characterization
Validation & Optimization
  • Testing
  • Validation
  • Continuous process improvement
  • Handling non-conformities effectively
Logo of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, supporting Heggemann's WAAM innovation in aerospace manufacturing
Key Account
WAAM

Reach out today to discuss your WAAM projects and receive a customized quote.

Portrait of Dr. Thomas Meyer, Head of Engineering at Heggemann, from concept to certified aerospace solutions
Dr. Thomas Meyer
Head of Engineering

Engineering intelligence – from concept to certified solution.

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