Engineers at South Ural State University (SUSU) have conceived the concept of an experimental prototype of an autonomous 3D printer for creating heavy machinery parts. The project will help solve the problem of repairing machines in the Far North, the university's press service reported.
SUSU explained that there are no compact metal 3D printers in Russia.
For colleagues working with similar technologies, the equipment weighs 2 tons, making it problematic to deliver anywhere, especially to the Far North.
The development by Ural specialists is "a completely self-contained system". All working components are integrated into the body.
The 3D printer is based on wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technology. A part is created layer by layer by depositing metal wire with an electric arc. This method speeds up part manufacturing and helps avoid costs for subsequent processing.
The device can be used for printing machine components, engine pistons, gears, shafts, etc. Currently, SUSU is working on an experimental prototype. It will take 6 months to 1 year to develop the 3D printer into an operational prototype, the university's press service concluded.