3D-Hybrid to bring three metal 3D printing technologies to CNC machines.
Metal hybrid manufacturing solutions provider, 3D-Hybrid has announced a new set of tools which will enable manufacturers to bring metal additive manufacturing capabilities to their existing CNC machines.
The Los Angeles, California-based company is offering three types of 3D printing technologies; Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing, Laser Metal Deposition, and Cold Spray, which it claims are compatible with nearly any CNC machine on the market.
Utilising three methods of directed energy; electrical, optical and kinetic, 3D-Hybrid says it can handle almost any metal AM application and alloy. With an entry price of 50,000 USD, the tool-heads are designed to lower the barrier to entry for metal AM and maximise the functionality of current equipment with increased speed and multi-material capabilities. What's more, the company says it can commission the tool overnight, meaning downtime is kept to a minimum.
"Our commitment to solving complex manufacturing problems with advanced AM methods has led us to revolutionise and integrate AM technologies to any CNC machine," Karl F. Hranka, founder of 3D-Hybrid commented.
The ability to create near net shape parts or refurbish and repair old parts will allow manufacturers and engineers to save both time and money for a range of applications in the rocket, aerospace, oil and gas, and other industrial sectors.
Interest in hybrid solutions is rising in the AM industry with big machine manufacturers such as DMG Mori and laser manufacturers like OR Laser entering the additive market by combining additive and subtractive technologies into a single solution. Last year we also saw an influx in wire arc and cold spray systems including that of Australian newcomer, SPEE3D and the technology used in the industry-first WAAMpeller project with Autodesk. These technologies allow manufacturers to use common metal feedstock and rapidly produce parts to their near-finished state before machining to exact specifications.
With investment in 3D printing, particularly metal, still extremely high it means the technology can be out of reach to smaller businesses who have already made a considerable investment in traditional technologies. Having the ability to upscale current systems may just be the answer.
Have you got an innovative manufacturing application or technology? Applications for the TCT Awards 2018 are now open to companies across the entire design and manufacturing technology ecosystem. A full list of categories, submission criteria and deadlines can be found here.
