Inodus’s unique network of metal 3D printing includes some of the most advanced manufacturers and specialized service providers. Our core partner supplies top corporations in aerospace industry with very large printed aircraft components.
✓ Mechanical properties similar to forged parts
✓ Profession DFM and project management
LSF / WAAM capability overview
| LSF | WAAM | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum build size (L x W x H) | 3000 x 1500 x 1500 mm | 1500 x 1500 x 1500 mm |
| Standard lead time | Various depending on the complexity of the project | Various depending on the complexity of the project |
| Dimensional accuracy |
± 2%
Post-processing CNC machining is necessary to achieve good accuracy
|
± 2%
Post-processing CNC machining is necessary to achieve good accuracy
|
| Minimal wall thickness | 5mm | 5mm |
Before and after CNC post processing
When to use LSF / WAAM
- Functional prototype for large component
- No complex internal structure such as voids
Typical industry includes aviation, aerospace, medical, automotive and other R&D
What’s the difference between LSF and WAAM
LSF uses laser for heat source similar to DMLS, the raw material is in powder form.
WAAM uses electric arc as heat source, the raw material is in wire form similar to FDM extrusion.
While LSF is a more mature technology than WAAM, WAAM is usually 30 – 40% cheaper than LSF, and faster.
Available materials for LSF / WAAM
Inodus offers the most comprehensive selection of materials. If your required material is not in the list, we will try our best to source it for you. If you are not sure which material is best for your application, our design engineers are here to help.
| Types | Application considerations |
|---|---|
| Aluminium alloy | Light weight, good mechanical, thermal and electrical conductivity |
| AlSi10Mg | Widely used aluminium alloy for metal printing |
| AlSi7Mg | Slightly less susceptibility to corrosion after low-temp heat treatment |
| Stainless steel | High strength, corrosion resistant |
| 304 | Lowest cost corrosion resistant option, resistant to oxidation |
| 316 | High strength ductility and excellent corrosion resistance |
| 316L | Lower carbon content, good for welding. Common in Jewellery and watch industry. |
| 321 | Excellent choice in elevated temperature environments up to 900℃. Not recommended for welding. |
| 15-5PH | Martensitic and magnetic, increased toughness and better corrosion resistance than 17-4PH. Used in aerospace industry for fasteners and structural components |
| 17-4PH | Martensitic and magnetic, predecessor of 15-5 |
| Titanium alloy | Light weight, high tensile strength and toughness, excellent corrosion resistance and bio-compatibility |
| Pure titanium | Corrosion resistance to acid, salt water and blood. |
| Titanium TC4 (Ti-6Al-4V) | Most popular, significantly stronger than pure titanium, heat treatable |
| Titanium TA15 (Ti–6Al–2Zr–1Mo–1V) | Enhanced mechanical property with ultrafine crystallites |
| Superalloy | High temperature performance, resistance to thermal creep deformation |
| Inconel 718 | High strength, 2x stronger than Inconel 625 |
| Inconel 625 | Medium strength, but better general corrosion resistance |
| Hastelloy X | Good oxidation resistance, high-temperature strength and exceptional stress-corrosion resistance, for use in highly aggressive chemical environments at elevated temperatures |
Post-processing service for LSF / WAAM
| Service | |
|---|---|
|
Heat treatment
(included by default, depending on materials)
|
Stress relief
Hot isostatic pressing (HIP)
Solution annealing
Aging
|
| Post-process machining |
3- and 5- axis CNC machining
Turning
Wire EDM
Tapping
|
|
Surface treatment
(depending on materials and geometry) |
Bead blasting
Anodizing
Electropolishing
Fluid jet polishing
Plating
Black oxide
|
|
Quality inspections and reports
(additional cost and lead time apply) |
CMM
X-ray |
Facility Audit
We understand that sometimes your company will need to perform an audit or a third-party QC firm to approve the project. We are highly experienced in both and can make arrangements if you decide to visit the production site.
