LENS Hybrid 3D Machine Tool
LENS Hybrid 3D Machine Tool
Optomec, a supplier of production grade additive manufacturing systems, has announced it will showcase its new controlled atmosphere LENS 3D Hybrid Machine Tool at formnext powered by TCT this week.
The new machine will enable users to process aluminium, titanium and other reactive metals additively and subtractive in one machine tool platform. It rounds out the company’s LENS Machine Tool Series (MTS), which comprises of four platforms, combining high-quality CNC with LENS technology. LENS uses a high-power laser to fuse powered metals to make 3D structures.
Located in Hall 3.0, Stand G88, Optomec will present its latest machine and discuss its capabilities. The controlled atmosphere LENS 3D Hybrid Machine Tool is the fourth member of a family designed to reduce manufacturing process times and costs, and deliver improved end product performance. This series includes two machines with open configurations, and now two machines with closed atmospheres. The LENS 3D Additive model provides high-value open processing at prices starting at $275,000, while the LENS 3D Hybrid models combines additive and subtractive open atmosphere on the same machine. The controlled atmosphere LENS 3D Additive model seals the build envelope in an argon glovebox to extend processing capabilities for titanium, aluminium and other reactive metals.
As of the 2017 formnext powered by TCT, the MTS product line is complete.
“The market reaction to the LENS Machine Tool series has been outstanding,” said Ken Vartanian, VP of Marketing at Optomec. “Since its introduction a little over a year ago, Optomec has received orders from industrial and academic customers around the world. We are pleased that our strategy to make metal additive manufacturing affordable is resonating.”
Optomec has also announced a global sales partnership with CNC Software, the developer of Mastercam. Optomec will sell and support Mastercam software products along with an additive-based plug-in tuned for its LENS processes.
This plug-in will be seamlessly integrated into Mastercam, meaning users will be able to benefit from the platform’s native CAD modelling and importing, multi-axis toolpath generation and visualisation, and kinematic analysis capabilities.
“Partnering with Optomec allows Mastercam to provide our award-winning technology to a specialised area of the additive market,” said Dave Boucher, Director of Product Development, CNC Software. “The combination of subtractive machining that we have provided for over 35 years, along with newly developed technology to drive metal additive machines, allows Mastercam and Optomec to provide a solution for the hybrid manufacturing market. We are excited to work with Optomec and their LENS technology to provide users with a truly versatile machining solution.”
“Optomec is pleased to be partnered with CNC Software,” added Vartanian. “The LENS plug-in provides a natural pathway for machinists to extend Mastercam functionality for additive and hybrid manufacturing applications.”
Optomec is showcasing its new LENS 3D Hybrid Machine Tool in Hall 3.0, Stand G88 at formnext powered by TCT.
