If you thought 64 lasers was a lot for one metal additive manufacturing (AM) system, Eplus3D, which introduced its EP-M2050 printer - configurable between 36 and 64 lasers - just two years earlier, says, think again.
At TCT Asia in Shanghai this week, the Chinese powder bed fusion machine manufacturer has beat its own PB by teasing a new metal 3D printer that can be configured with a whopping 256 lasers.
Eplus3D says it's not disclosing any hardware details just yet - we do know it's called the EP-M3050 - so there's no machine present on the booth, just a few bullet points on its 3058mm × 3058mm x 1200 mm build size and 1500-3500 cm/h (100 lasers) build speed.
There is, however, a huge 2.8 metre casing printed in 316L stainless steel, which our former TCT Editor Oliver Johnson took a closer look at on the show floor.
Elsewhere, Eplus3D is presenting new hardware in the form of its EP-M300 with different beam shaping capabilities. It's also introducing its EP-M300L and Production-Ready Automation Line geared towards continuous and batch production. While it features 250 fewer lasers than the upcoming EP-M3050, the machine's 300 x 300 x 450 mm build volume, intelligent optical system, and scanning speeds and precision, are thought to be well suited to industries such as 3C electronics, tooling, and aerospace.
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