Fronius optimises 3D metal printing with CMT Additive Pro

Fronius, a leading company in the field of welding technology, has developed CMT Additive Pro, a welding process that has been specially optimised for 3D metal printing. This new technology combines the advantages of the Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) process with the requirements of additive manufacturing to produce high-precision, stable and uniform welded layers. Fronius is focussing on innovative approaches to meet the growing demand for flexible, resource-efficient manufacturing in various industries.

Metal 3D printing is increasingly being used in sectors such as aerospace, shipbuilding and the automotive industry in particular. Compared to traditional manufacturing processes such as casting or milling, additive manufacturing offers more flexibility in the design and customisation of components. The CMT Additive Pro can be used to realise complex geometries that were previously difficult or impossible to implement. This technology is not only suitable for the production of prototypes, but also for repair work and the printing of spare parts on demand, which reduces storage costs and shortens production cycles.

“The right welding path with the right welding parameters and processes is crucial for a good metal 3D printing result,” explains Philipp Roithinger, additive manufacturing expert at Fronius International. “However, this requires a high-performance welding system that precisely ensures the path accuracy of the welding torch. Another innovation is the adjustable heat input, which keeps the height and width ratio of the weld bead constant, regardless of the current temperature of the base material or the previously welded layer. Normally, a welding layer becomes wider and flatter when the component is already heated. The power correction counteracts this so that the same weld seams can always be stacked on top of each other layer by layer.”

In addition to the new welding technology, Fronius also offers comprehensive services in its in-house prototype centre. Here, customers can develop individual solutions for their specific requirements and have the additive manufacturing processes optimised. With these customised offers and its expertise in welding technology, Fronius enables its customers to exploit the full potential of 3D metal printing and shorten the time-to-market of their products.