As a multi-dimensional DED technology, WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing) requires special functionalities and routines for path planning. As part of a development partnership between Gefertec and Siemens, the NX CAM module "Multi Axis Deposition" has been extended to enable efficient CAM processing of WAAM applications.

Users therefore benefit from an end-to-end digital process chain - from component preparation to AM programming, CNC post-processing and quality control, including fully integrated PLM, ERP and MES functionalities.

"We are very pleased to be able to offer Gefertec WAAM manufacturing systems with Siemens software to our customers and the market with immediate effect. We are convinced that the collaboration can not only make the potential of WAAM more accessible to industrial customers, but also enable the technical and commercial potential of the technology to be exploited better and faster," says Tobias Krümberg, Managing Director of Gefertec. Helmut Zeyn, Portfolio Development Additive Manufacturing at Siemens Digital Industries Software, adds: "WAAM is one of the most promising technologies for additive manufacturing. We are therefore delighted to be working with Gefertec, one of the leading providers in this field."

The robust arc welding process, the high build-up rates and the simple handling of wire as a starting material make the process interesting for the production of medium-sized to large components. In contrast to other AM processes, the focus of WAAM technology is on cost reduction and high availability. Replacement parts or components in small batches in the oil & gas, maritime, mechanical and plant engineering, transportation and aerospace industries have already been successfully converted from conventional production to WAAM with substantial reductions in delivery times and costs. In addition, production is more resource-efficient thanks to significantly lower material consumption.

As one of the first joint partners of Siemens and Gefertec, Siemens Energy benefits from the end-to-end process chain in Siemens NX for the production of components using WAAM and subsequent CNC post-processing. The company already uses additive manufacturing technologies for its own products, but also offers AM services for external customers. "The integration of WAAM in Siemens NX makes a significant contribution to making processes more efficient for us as a user, allowing us to reduce throughput times in spare parts production, for example," says Ole Geisen, Head of Engineering Services for Additive Manufacturing at Siemens Energy.