Velo3D
Velo3D's Sapphire System
Velo3D has launched the Sapphire System, a metal powder bed fusion platform designed for high volume manufacturing.
Powered by the Californian company’s Intelligent Fusion technology and Flow print preparation software, Velo is bringing to market an end-to-end solution it believes addresses some of the most prevalent challenges presented by additive manufacturing (AM). These include design limitations, part-to-part consistency, and cost-efficiency.
Read TCT Magazine's interview with Stefan Zschiegner, Velo3D's Chief Product Officer, here.
The Sapphire System has been inspired by the needs of vertical markets, such as aerospace and automotive. Its build area, 315mm in dimeter and 400mm in the Z axis, has the capacity to enable large parts to be manufacture, or a wealth of smaller components to be produced simultaneously. It is also capable of building complex geometries, such as designs with overhangs that are less than five degrees and large inner diameters without supports. The machine also boasts two 1KW lasers, a patented non-contact recoater, and a closed-loop melt pool control which reduces deformation and the variability between parts. Further enhancing efficiency of the manufacturing process, changeovers between build are done autonomously within 15 minutes, meaning the machine can operate continuously.
Velo’s Flow proint preparation program, meanwhile, allows support generation, process selection, slicing and simulation of complex parts. Geometrical feature-driven processing enables low angles below 5 degrees, while deformation correction technology helps to achieve a first print success rate of up to 90%, per Velo3D. The software also minimises the need for support structures, reducing the typical number of supports in a build by up to five times.
Velo3D
Velo3D
Shrouded Impeller printed without supports on the Sapphire System.
As the company brings this technology to market, pricing still undisclosed, it is aligning itself with industry players and service providers to identify suitable applications, and maximise the potential of the Sapphire System.
“Four years ago, we set out with the bold vision of creating technology that could manufacture parts with any geometry to take additive manufacturing mainstream,” said Benny Buller founder and CEO of Velo3D. “Our approach relies on creating deep insights in physics fundamentals, enabled by research, characterising and understanding of core mechanisms, developing intelligent process control through software simulation and in-situ metrology. Today, Velo3D is working with some of the top OEMs and service bureaus creating parts that were once considered impossible.”
“Additive manufacturing has the potential to be revolutionary,” commented Ashley Nichols, General Manager at 3D Material Technologies (3DMT), a leading metal additive manufacturing services bureau. “Systems are getting bigger, but not delivering on the promises of metal additive manufacturing. Through a collaborative partnership, 3DMT and Velo3D are unlocking new applications, pushing the envelope of what is currently considered possible. We look forward to continued success, and to delivering on the promises of the potential of metal additive manufacturing.”
Former Autodesk CEO and President, Carl Bass has also joined Velo3D 's board as Chairman.
Velo3D will be debuting the Sapphire System at IMTS from September 10th – 15th in Chicago at Booth 237286.
