The excavator, a prototype to demonstrate what’s possible in terms of large-scale additive materials technologies, proved without a doubt that it is feasible to 3D print with metal alloys, and was finally unveiled and demonstrated yesterday at CONEXPO-CON/AGG (aptly themed Imagine What’s Next) and IFPE 2017 in Las Vegas.
Lonnie Love, group leader of ORNL’s Manufacturing Systems Research Group, said, “The beauty of a project of this size and scope is that it brings together many intelligent people to work on a number of challenges while accomplishing a common goal.”
The engineering students from UIUC won a contest to design the excavator’s cab, and had the opportunity to actually see their designs being built, in person, on the large-scale 3D printing equipment at the Department of Energy’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF), which is housed at ORNL.
“While hundreds of people, many of whom are students, visit the MDF each year, this is the first student group to watch their design 3D printed on one of our large-scale machines. We’re also exposing them to the possibilities that additive manufacturing is affording industry that can help companies from so many different areas whether it’s automotive, construction or other applications yet to be discovered,” said Love.
“Trade associations like the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and the National Fluid Power Association help to foster collaboration and innovation between people and companies inside our respective industries. Project AME should be held up as an example of what can be accomplished when we are able to bring together competitors to innovate ideas for the betterment of the industry as a whole,” Love said.
John Rozum, IFPE show director, said, “We’re thrilled to bring such a significant technological and first-of-its-kind achievement like the 3D printed excavator to ConExpo; it will be a platform to demonstrate how the latest innovations and applied technologies are changing the future of the construction industry.”
If you’re at the expo this week, you can stop by the new Tech Experience to check out Project AME for yourself. You can also check out the Project AME overview video below:
Discuss in the ORNL forum at 3DPB.com.
[Sources: Construction Equipment, CONEXPO-CON/AGG, ORNL / Images: ORNL]