Via Optomec YouTube channel
Optomec LENS
The LENS 450 is a newer incarnation of the LENS 850-R.Optomec has revealed a new low-cost offering in its range of 3D printers for metal additive manufacturing.
Christened the LENS 450, the machine is built on the same LENS core technology used throughout various industries to repair, coat and rapidly manufacture a huge range of high-performance metal components.
The system was developed specifically in response to growing industry interest in the 3D printing of metals, including the need to train the next generation of 3D printing specialists in metal additive manufacturing technology.
The very first LENS 450 3D printer delivery will be to the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science, where it will be used in the institution's brand new Advanced Manufacturing education programme.
Professor C Isaac Garcia of the university commented: "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 LENS 450 can process a massive range of materials, including stainless steel, cobalt chrome, titanium and superalloys, which makes it he perfect hardware for rapid prototyping and repairing small metal parts.
The cost-effective system provides a 100 mm-cubed work envelope, within a class-1 laser enclosure that is hermetically sealed in order to preserve a pristine processing environment and to operate safely.
Additional features include a 400 W fibre laser, powder feeder, motion control system and proprietary part preparation and process control software.
Optomec, which is headquartered in Albuquerque, is a privately-held company and is a rapidly growing supplier of additive manufacturing systems.
These solutions ultilise Optomec's patented Aerosol Jet Printed Electronics technology and LENS (Laser Engineered Net Shaping) Printed Metal technology to reduce costs and improve performance. Together, these unique 2D and 3D printing solutions work with the broadest spectrum of functional materials, ranging from electronic inks to structural metals, and even biological materials.
Optomec has upwards of 150 marquee customers worldwide, targeting production applications in the electronics, life sciences, aerospace and energy sectors.
