Large Format Multi-Tasking: 3D Metal Printing with Hybrid Machining

The LENS 860 Hybrid Controlled Atmosphere (CA) System from Optomec Inc. (Albuquerque, NM) has a larger build volume and supports higher laser power, providing more capabilities for affordable, high quality metal hybrid manufacturing. This system has an 860 mm x 600 mm x 610 mm work envelope and is equipped with a hermetically-sealed build chamber that maintains oxygen and moisture levels below 10 ppm for processing reactive metals such as titanium. It can be configured with closed-loop controls and a high-power 3 kW fiber laser, making it ideal for building, repairing or coating mid-to-large size parts with superior metal quality. In addition to the LENS 860 Hybrid CA system, three other configurations are available: The LENS 860 Hybrid Open Atmosphere (OA) system provides an ideal platform for processing non-reactive metals, such as stainless steel, tool steel, Inconel, etc. Two additive-only models (both Open and Controlled Atmosphere) round out the new large format Machine Tool Series of LENS systems.

All Machine Tool Series systems incorporate LENS 3D Metal Printing technology that has been enhanced for higher power and faster additive manufacturing. One key advantage of the LENS Hybrid configuration is the ability to use the milling capability to perform finish machining on a printed part without re-fixturing or aligning the component on a second machine. The LENS Machine Tool Series continues to lead the industry in cost to performance with a starting price of under $250,000. “This suite of larger machines continue to demonstrate our ability to transition production-proven 3D metal printing capability onto traditional CNC platforms that match the cost, performance and ease-of-use demands of the traditional machine tool market,” said Dave Ramahi, the president and chief executive officer of Optomec. “These systems are a key element of our strategy to bring metal additive manufacturing into the industrial mainstream.”

The LENS 860 Hybrid CA system can produce and repair larger parts cost-effectively and also provides versatility, with the ability to print fine-features for thin wall structures and perform wide area cladding for wear coating applications. Powerful software enables 5-axis build strategies that combine additive and subtractive operations in a single tool path. A range of material starter recipes are available to help speed adoption with the LENS 860 Hybrid Controlled Atmosphere System.

Optomec Inc., 3911 Singer NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, 505-761-8250, Fax: 505-761-6638, www.optomec.com.