Page 17 - 3D Metal Printing Magazine Winter 2022

removed easily—mainly provided a means for temperature equalization.
GE Additive: www.ge.com/additive
Nikon Combines AM, Scanning, Laser Marking and Welding
in One Machine
Nikon introduced the Lasermeister 102A, which employs a high-precision laser to perform metal processing—pro- viding AM capabilities while also enabling laser marking and welding. This model offers new capabilities in powder titanium modeling and processing, and also processes conventional stainless steels, high-speed steels and nickel-based alloys. Rollout of this machine follows introduc- tion of the 100A by Nikon in 2019 and the 101A in 2020. Nikon plans to release the 102A for sale in Europe and North America this year.
The Lasermeister 102A, with a 150- mm-dia. 150-mm-high build area, features a five-axis modeling system and 360-deg. scanning to provide enhanced 3D-align- ment-measurement accuracy. The system
observes the molten state of the melt pool to control and stabilize modeling, accord- ing to Nikon officials, which enables uni- form profiles on edges for improved pro- ductivity. Compared to the 101A, modeling speed reportedly has approximately dou- bled in the 102A, with improved dimen- sional accuracy and surface roughness. Nikon: www.nikon.com
Wayland Machine Promises Greater Flexibility, Stability Than Traditional EB PBF Systems
Wayland Additive rolled out for Form- next attendees its Calibur3 metal-AM sys- tem. It employs the company’s NeuBeam process, which, according to company officials, effectively neutralizes the elec- tron-beam (EB) powder-bed fusion (PBF) process to offer greater flexibility than
laser-based AM processes
while overcoming the
stability issues many
users of traditional EB
PBF AM systems expe-
rience. In addition, Way-
land Additive officials offer, the NeuBeam process enables metallurgical require- ments to be tailored to application requirements, a limiting factor in previous EB AM processes.
NeuBeam, a hot-part rather than a hot-bed process, reportedly enables creation of
Formnext 2021 3D parts free of residual stresses due to high
temperatures applied only to the part and not the bed, ensuring free-flowing powder post-build (no sinter cake) and stress-free parts with reduced energy consumption. Also, the process overcomes many limi- tations for manufacturing large compo- nents, according to company officials, due to no residual thermal stresses, no gas cross-flow and a simplified powder- removal process. To print larger parts, the Calibur3 offers a printable area of 300 by 300 by 450 mm.
The NeuBeam process, with built-in real-time in-process monitoring, report- edly can produce fully dense parts in a range of materials, many of which, such as refractory metals and highly reflective alloys, are not compatible with traditional EB or laser PBF processes.
Wayland Additive: www.waylandadditive.com
Quick, Detailed 3D Scanning via Artec 3D Handheld, Wireless Unit
Artec 3D offered a host of 3D-scanning products, including the Artec Leo, a hand- held wireless scanner—reportedly the first 3D scanner to offer onboard automatic processing. As users scan an object, which 3DMP did during a booth tour, they’ll see a 3D replica being built in real time on Leo’s touchpanel screen. Rotate the 3D model to make sure that all areas have been captured, and easily fill in any missed areas.
The 80 frames/sec. 3D reconstruction rate results in rapid, accurate handheld 3D scanning. With its wide field of view, Artec Leo can 3D scan and process large objects and scenes quickly and accurately. For greater pre- cision, users can move the scanner closer to the object to pick up more intricate detail, similar to zooming in with
a video camera.
Artec 3D: www.artec3d.com
3DMPmag.com
WINTER 2022 • 3D METAL PRINTING | 15