3D Printed Crane hook

Metal and ceramic 3D printing processes are becoming increasingly popular, while these processes are most commonly used to produce polymer objects. Since 2015, Huisman has devoted R&D efforts to investigate benefits of Wire & Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), a specific subtype of metal 3D printing which is highly similar to conventional welding. Amongst other components, crane hooks are of particular interest because of the increased control over the production process.

Wire & Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)

WAAM can be used for crane hooks, but also allows Huisman to manufacture other components with complex shapes, short delivery times or local alternative material properties, to improve for example wear and corrosion resistance. The positive WAAM testresults enable Huisman to manufacture reliable components that were physically impossible or commercially infeasible to produce before. In the near future Huisman aims to further improve the WAAM process by reducing the cost price for this technique and to increase manufacturing capabilities up to items of 2,500kg printed weight.

Huisman actively employs the 3D printing technique ‘Wire & Arc Additive Manufacturing’ (WAAM) to produce mid-size to large components with high grade tensile steel, including a large 4-prong hook, with an own printed weight close to 1,000kg. An important benefit for larger crane hooks is the significant reduction in delivery time at a cost that competes with forgings and castings, and a more consistent level of quality.