Although you will have to speak to a sales rep to find out exactly how low-cost this new entrant into the 3D printer market is, the LENS 450 metal 3D printer is one of the first low-cost metal 3D printers available. The printer was developed specifically in response to growing industry interest in 3D printing of metals, including the need to train a new generation of users in metal additive manufacturing technology.
It is built on the same Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) core technology used throughout industry to repair, coat and rapidly manufacture a variety of high performance metal components.
The LENS family of metal 3D printers can fabricate, enhance and repair high performance metal components used in Aerospace, Defense, Power Generation, and Medical device manufacturing industries. The process builds 3-dimensional structures with excellent material properties from an impressive list of metals, including titanium, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt and other engineering alloys.
A number of 3D printer configurations are available to meet specific application requirements, including the entry-level LENS 450, the LENS MR-7 for research and development, and the LENS 850R production repair system.
The first delivery of the LENS 450 3D Printer will be to the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science at the University of Pittsburgh, where it will be used in their new Advanced Manufacturing education program. Professor C. Isaac Garcia stated, “Re-establishing America’s global competitiveness is dependent upon a new generation of technicians and engineers trained in advanced manufacturing technologies. The LENS 450 system is an excellent tool to conduct basic and applied research, and for training students on industry proven technology for metal additive manufacturing.”
The system provides a 64 cubic inch work envelope within a class 1 laser enclosure that is hermetically sealed to maintain a pristine processing environment and operator safety. Additional features include a 400 W fiber laser, powder feeder, motion control system, and proprietary part preparation and process control software.
Key features of LENS 450 3D printer
• 100 x 100 x 100 mm (3.94 in. x 3.94 in. x 3.94 in.) process work envelope
• 3 Axis CNC Control System
• Argon Purge System
• Integrated Powder Feeder
• 400 W IPG Fiber Laser
Key applications:
• Educating Future AM Technologists
• Certifying Powder Quality
• Prototyping Small Parts
• Repairing Small Parts
Optomec is a privately held supplier of additive manufacturing systems. These systems use the company’s patented Aerosol Jet Printed Electronics technology and LENS Printed Metal technology to work with a broad spectrum of functional materials, ranging from electronic inks to structural metals and biological matter.
Optomec
www.optomec.com
