Additive manufacturing metals and electronics manufacturer Optomec, has announced it has signed an agreement with Fryer Machine Systems, a producer of high-quality, affordable machine tools, to integrate its LENS metal additive technology into its Fryer’s new LaserFab 3D hybrid machining centres.
On display for the first time at IMTS in Chicago this week, Fryer’s hybrid VMCs (Vertical Machining Centres) will be less than half the cost of competing hybrid metal working machines, with prices starting at $350,000.
Optomec has packaged its industry-proven metal 3D Printing solution, which has been used for cost-effective manufacturing and repair for the last 17 years, into a modular LENS Print Engine for rapid integration with metal working platforms such as CNC mills, lathes, robots, custom gantries, laser cutting and welding systems. The modular LENS Print Engine components include Optomec proprietary SteadyFlow powder feeders, LENS processing head with interchangeable nozzles, fibre laser, PartPrep and 5-Axis tool path generation software, and SmartAM closed loop process controls.
The Optomec LENS Print Engine will be integrated into Fryer’s new LaserFab 3D hybrid machining centres which feature a high power fibre laser and a high performance VMC for high speed machining. Standard features include a 1.5-second 24 tool ATC (Automatic Tool Changer), a 15,000 RPM inline spindle (30,000 RPM option), a high torque 30 HP motor and a super-fast 1,900 IPM rapid feed rate. Combined with roller type linear ways and heavy duty FEA designed castings, the LaserFab can print and finish machine parts to a 4-micron tolerance.
“For 35 years, Fryer Machine Systems has established itself as a leader in providing affordable, high performance machine tools to the metal working industry,” said Dave Ramahi, president and CEO of Optomec. “Both Fryer and Optomec share a common vision that the key to the industrial adoption of this technology is to follow this same principle by providing manufacturers with high quality, affordable metal additive manufacturing tools.”
“Since our inception, we have based our business on the core principles of delivering quality products that are fairly priced and surrounding those products with exceptional service to our customers,” said Larry Fryer, Founder and President of Fryer Machine Systems. “We are applying these same principles in partnership with Optomec to introduce hybrid CNC systems at new price thresholds that will accelerate industrial adoption of this technology.”
TCT is reporting from IMTS this week - follow our updates on @TheTCTMagazine for the latest additive manufacturing news.
