[DAIHEN] Enters Next-Generation Metal Additive Manufacturing 'WAAM' Business Using Arc Welding Technology, a First in Japan

Our company will launch a new business (hereinafter, this business) based on 'WAAM' (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing), a metal 3D printing technology that additively manufactures metal wire through arc welding. By entering this business, we will provide a high-speed and low-cost manufacturing solution as an alternative to conventional casting and machining for all large-scale structure fields, ranging from shipbuilding, energy, and construction machinery to the aerospace industry, contributing to innovation in manufacturing and industrial development. ■ Background and Outlook for Business Entry Currently, manufacturing sites are facing challenges such as the complication of supply chains due to advancing globalization, stricter environmental regulations due to climate change, and labor shortages, making it increasingly important to address these issues. Therefore, the use of metal 3D printing technology, which does not require mold making, has less material loss, and offers high design freedom and productivity compared to conventional methods (casting, machining, etc.), is gaining attention*1. Among metal 3D printing technologies, the PBF*2 (Powder Bed Fusion) method, which additively manufactures by irradiating a thin layer of metal powder with a laser or electron beam, is widespread. However, it is costly in terms of equipment and materials, has a large burden of safety management, and is difficult to apply to large structures due to size constraints. On the other hand, WAAM is expected to be a method suitable for manufacturing large metal parts due to its high productivity (several to several tens of times faster than PBF) and low cost, but significant challenges remain in ensuring stable quality due to deformation from heat input and variability in build reproducibility. To solve this problem, we have developed 'ArcBuilder 3D' (hereinafter, this product), Japan's first metal additive manufacturing system that combines our proprietary arc welding technology cultivated over many years with high-precision robot control technology, and we are entering the WAAM business. This product achieves improved reliability and a prompt support system by developing and manufacturing major equipment in-house. In addition, by offering our unique 'contract manufacturing service' that leverages our advanced knowledge and technology in welding, we will accelerate the spread of metal additive manufacturing. In this business, after steadily promoting the development of the Japanese domestic market, we plan to enter the European and American markets, which are larger than the domestic market, from the next fiscal year onwards, aiming to achieve sales of 10 billion yen in 2030. ■ Overview of This Business 1. Launch of Metal Additive Manufacturing System 'ArcBuilder 3D' - A high-efficiency metal additive manufacturing system applying our proprietary 'AC Synchro-feed Welding Technology*3'. - Enables high-speed shaping at low temperatures with high deposition rates. Prevents quality defects such as burn-through and significantly reduces cooling time. (Build efficiency improved by 24% compared to conventional welding). - Applicable to various materials such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum alloys by using optimal welding waveforms for each material. - Equipped with dedicated software to support robot programming, allowing for easy creation of large-scale programs that are difficult for humans. It also achieves optimal trajectory control for complex CAD data, considering the robot's posture and movements. ▲ArcBuilder 3D (System Image) 2. Provision of 'Contract Manufacturing Service' - We offer a paid service to undertake the prototype shaping of parts based on the customer's 3D data using our system. - Our dedicated technical service staff with knowledge and know-how of welding and robots will handle all processes from consultation and quotation to manufacturing and delivery in a one-stop manner. ■ ArcBuilder3D Sales Plan - Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: 75,000,000 yen (excluding tax) (May vary depending on system specifications) - Order Start Date: May 29, 2026 - First Year Sales Target: 20 units/year ■ Inquiries Regarding This Matter Welding & Joining Business Division, Advanced Material Processing System Sales Dept. TEL: 03-6281-6794 *1 The market for this technology is expected to expand, reaching a global scale of 6.8 trillion yen by 2030. From 'SDKI Analytics' (2025). *2 Metal Additive Manufacturing Methods (List) *3 AC Synchro-feed Welding Technology: Our proprietary low-spatter robot welding system launched in 2015. It synchronizes high-speed wire 'forward and reverse feeding' with the welding current, reducing spatter (welding splatter) by over 98%. Compared to conventional pulse welding, it has extremely low thermal distortion and burn-through, achieving high-quality welding and improved productivity. It is also compatible with various materials such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.