Optomec, Albuquerque, N.M., launched two new Directed Energy Deposition (DED) metal additive manufacturing machines, the CS250 and the HC-TBR.
The new DED AM machines use a free form powder-based metal AM process developed by Optomec under the LENS trademark. Both machines have a 250 x 250 x 250 mm build volume suitable for small part production, repair, and batch processing. The systems are available in 3-axis or 5-axis versions capable of simultaneous 5-axis coordinated motion for full free space building.
They are equipped with a next-generation print head capable of automatically changing the laser spot size and output power on the fly, to apply material faster to larger areas of the part while still creating fine features with lower heat input to thinner areas of the build. These machines also have an optional inert processing capability optimized for building reflective and reactive alloys like copper, aluminum and titanium, in addition to a wide variety of other common metals including steel, nickel, etc.
The CS250 machine, designed for research, is an all-in-one system with up to four integrated powder feeders, enabling rapid alloy development and graded-material part creation. It is small enough to pass through a standard doorway, facilitating use in many existing research labs. The base system pricing starts at under $300,000.
The HC-TBR machine is designed for high performance, high volume production applications, and includes the capability of automatically moving and processing titanium parts into and out of an inert atmosphere, a critical feature for high-quality metallurgy and plant safety.
For additive repair applications, such as production turbine blade restoration, the HC-TBR also includes an integrated vision system with proprietary AutoCLAD software that scans each part individually. It uses pattern recognition to create a custom tool path and additive repair recipe for the part, compensating for part-to-part variation while minimizing the heat input into the component.
The HC-TBR was designed for easy integration into automated work cells and includes automatic antechamber doors which can be loaded and unloaded robotically.
“The HC-TBR is the first machine capable of high volume production for reactive metals like aluminum and titanium,” says Mike Dean, Optomec marketing director. “We’ve seen quite an increase in demand for these materials from our customers and expect the trend to continue as manufacturers move to lighter weight designs.”
For more information:
Optomec Inc.
www.optomec.com
Image – The new CS250 and HC-TBR metal AM machines. Courtesy of Optomec.
