Daihen Launches ArcBuilder 3D Metal Additive Manufacturing System

Daihen Corporation has launched the ArcBuilder 3D, a wire-arc Directed Energy Deposition (DED) additive manufacturing machine, alongside a contract manufacturing service for large metal components.

The Osaka-based industrial technology firm combines decades of welding expertise with robotic motion control to target shipbuilding, energy, construction machinery and aerospace sectors.

"The ArcBuilder 3D launch is part of our ongoing advanced manufacturing program to mature large-scale metal additive production and demonstrate readiness for industrial applications. The platform is absolutely critical to proving the maturity of robotic wire-arc deposition technology for future manufacturing environments," a Daihen spokesperson said.

ArcBuilder 3D uses wire-arc DED with Daihen’s AC synchronous wire-feed welding technology to enable higher deposition rates and lower heat input, improving deposition efficiency by roughly 24% over conventional welding approaches and reducing cooling time and heat-related defects.

The system pairs a robotic arm with dedicated software that automatically generates robot programs from CAD data, optimizes robot paths and postures, and supports steels, stainless steels and aluminium alloys with material-specific welding waveforms.

"Combining robotic automation with additive manufacturing allows industries to produce large components with improved flexibility, reduced lead times, and greater production efficiency," a company representative said.

Daihen will offer ArcBuilder 3D through equipment sales and a contract manufacturing service where customers submit 3D CAD data for quotation and production; the company provides engineering support from consultation through delivery.

Planned follow-ups include expanding material compatibility, improving deposition performance and scaling service capacity to accelerate industrial adoption of robotic metal additive manufacturing.