We are very excited to announce the first MX3D M1 Metal AM System going to Japan!

The M1 will be installed at the Shimoda Iron Works Co., Ltd. factory site in Aioi-City, Hyogo, Japan. The M1 Metal AM System acquisition is part of the collaboration agreement between the two companies.

The deployment of the M1 follows a joint project between MX3D and Takenaka Corporation, one of the biggest Japanese construction companies, for the production of duplex stainless steel structural connectors. The organic shapes and varied geometries made Robotic Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) an optimal choice for manufacturing in a waste-free, fast and cost-effective way. After the successful project, Shimoda decided to invest in the technology and it intends to produce these metal nodes on-site.

“The M1 Metal AM System allows us to start printing optimized parts for various industries including wind power industry immediately. We were impressed by the ease of use and the quality of the materials. Moreover, this new process is much attractive for us because it will contribute to SDGs by minimizing both material and energy loss. MX3D’s M1 makes Shimoda the nr. 1 expert in robotic WAAM in Japan, a technology that we believe will see a bright future,” says Shinji Shimoda – president of Shimoda Iron Works Co. Ltd.

Shimoda also offers their printing services to the offshore wind market, which requires a high performance for large complex metal parts. Windmill parts need consistent serial production with high deposit rates, in short, a good match with the MX3D WAAM technology. By digitizing and reshoring their production, the wind turbine industry becomes less dependent on foreign casting and forging companies with extensive lead times. By internalizing the manufacturing, the company regains control over the quality and is able to quickly iterate with new innovations and changing demands. Shimoda will be present at the annual WIND EXPO in Tokyo, Japan, between the 16th-18th of March 2022.