Article

MDF and Lincoln Electric have partnered to innovate large-scale metal 3D printing using robotic arc welding, enabling complex geometries and faster production timelines. Their joint research has led to breakthroughs in real-time monitoring and material performance, resulting in a system capable of depositing up to 100 pounds of metal per hour.

Applications of this collaboration are already benefiting U.S. industries, including rapid production of molds and tooling that traditionally took months to source. The partnership began in 2016 with the development of a wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) system and has since evolved to include the MedUSA system, which uses multiple robotic arms for enhanced production capabilities.

In 2024, Lincoln Electric was selected to support the U.S. Navy with 3D printing propulsion components and collaborated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to fabricate a replacement ship arrestor arm in 12 weeks, significantly reducing lead time.