Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. In addition to our in-house print services, we also have available our additive systems and engines. The systems range from a standard drop-in enclosure to a fully customized system that can build in much larger part sizes. Additionally, ADDere’s systems can be integrated into an existing manufacturing process.

ADDere can print in a number of different alloys and superalloys that are available as welding wire. Those alloys include:

• Titanium (Ti-6AI-V4, Ti-6-2-4-2, CP Ti)
• Duplex stainless steel
• Stainless steel (316L, 15-5, 17-4)
• Nickel Alloy Inconel® (617, 625, 718, 722)
• Invar® 36
• Hastelloy
• Refractory C103
• Tool steel (D2, H13, A2)
• Carbon steel

The largest part our in-house print service can produce is approximately 200 x 100 x 100 cm (80 x 40 x 40 in), and individual builds can be welded together for greater sizes. Alternatively, our made to order custom system can be designed to print even larger parts and integrated into your existing manufacturing process. 

ADDere’s in-house printing service can accommodate a part (including the fixturing) that weighs as much as 1000 kg (2200 lbs). However, our custom built systems can go as high as 10,000 kg (22,000 lbs) per part.

3D printed parts require no special heat treatment to finalize the part. A heat treatment process can be provided if necessary.

Because ADDere can produce near-net shaped parts, the material waste generated is essentially zero. Which will in turn keep the overall material costs down when compared to casting or subtractive machining.

Typically, the ADDere LWAM process prints at a layer height of 1-2 mm with a bead width of around 5-6 mm per pass.

Build time varies  based on the size, material and complexity of the part. The time frame for the build process can be from a few hours to several days. We can provide a time estimate based on the part specs and drawings that you provide us.

ADDere’s LWAM 3D printed parts typically have a density greater than 99.99%.

The feedstock ADDere uses is high-quality, readily available 0.6-1.6mm welding wire. Laser-wire additive manufacturing is less prone to impurities in the build and it is safer to work with than powder.

ADDere utilizes a MetraSCAN 3D optical CMM to ensure dimensional quality control and print repeatability. This tool allows us to detect defects, surface variations and dimensional quality on any parts we print. Learn More.

We have robot drivers for ABB, KUKA and FANUC robot systems. ADDere’s additive engines can be fixtured on a brand new robot or your existing robot.

Large-scale additive manufacturing (LSAM) refers to the production of parts that are larger than one meter in any dimension. ADDere’s LSAM process can produce large parts significantly faster than a small-scale additive system building the same part.

Yes, we have the capacity to perform any number of finishing that may be necessary on the part. These services include grinding, deburring, sanding, welding, polishing and painting.

3D printing is a frequent description of the additive manufacturing process; both names refer to the same technique and signify the same thing. However, the phrase additive manufacturing is often used in industry.

Yes. ADDere shares the same facility and all compliances with Midwest Engineered Systems Inc including but not limited to ITAR. Learn more about ADDere’s compliance with ITAR

Due to the time required to make parts, additive manufacturing is unlikely to completely replace traditional manufacturing. Traditional manufacturing is still preferred for basic and easy-to-manufacture things, but additive manufacturing is quickly becoming the preferred method for producing smaller quantities of more complicated parts.

We are located in Waukesha, WI at the Midwest Engineered Systems headquarters. Just 20 minutes west of Milwaukee, WI. Learn more