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August 2016

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Hybrid Additive/Subtractive Machining System



Mitsui Seiki USA, Inc. has developed new machining technology that combines both an additive and subtractive process on one machine tool platform. Named the Vertex 55X-H, the hybrid technology will be demonstrated at IMTS 2016. Robb Hudson, Technology and Business Development Manager, will be giving demonstrations of the new machine in the company's booth. He will also be giving a formal presentation about the new technology during the IMTS Conference on Thursday, September 15 at 10:00 AM in Room W193-A.

The basic concept of the Vertex 55X-H combines a traditional CNC vertical machining center with a spindle-adapted laser direct energy deposition (DED)/powder feed nozzle. Parts can be 3-D printed from nothing or material can be added to existing parts. The nozzle loads into the tool changer like any conventional tool and is changed automatically via the CNC program prompts, a milling/drilling tool replaces it and aspects of the workpiece can be machined conventionally - including internal features. For example, perhaps surface work needs to be machined before the next layer of material is added. Or, the workpiece can be printed to completion and then subsequent machining operations can be accomplished.

"The process is under full adaptive control as we are making the part, ensuring that as we are moving back and forth between additive and subtractive, we are maintaining the intended surface or feature as it is being produced," said Hudson. "In addition to developing the integrated spindle-adapted fiber laser and powder-feed system, this is the main benefit that Mitsui Seiki offers as compared to other hybrid systems on the market: our machine maintains common center line integrity between nozzle and tool as users go back and forth between the additive nozzle and the subtractive tool and offers a sub-15 micron volumetric accuracy within the work envelope."

Users can choose either a CAT or HSK spindle that offers 15,000 to 30,000 RPM. Further, Mitsui Seiki has integrated a coolant system for either dry or wet machining best practices. The working range is from 550 mm to 750 mm in X-axis; 600 mm to 800 mm in Y-axis; and 400 mm to 750 mm in Z-axis.

"The benefits of the Vertex 55X-H include a productive and repeatable process; good surface finish results; reduction of long cycle times attributed to powder bed additive processes; reducing the waste of expensive materials; a one-set-up and two-process system on a single platform; a common, adaptive programming language that allows the movement between additive to subtractive seamlessly; machining of I.D.s and O.D.s on the workpiece; freedom to add multiple nozzles for different powder flow rates and different angle heads; exact control of the powder flow deposition rate using a variety of laser beam profiles; and the inherent benefits of a precise and well-constructed machine tool," said Hudson.

The applications suited to the Vertex 55X-H include the repair of a number of different types of airfoil parts, such as high-pressure turbine and compressor blades, low pressure blades, blisks/IBRs and impellers for the aerospace, power generation and oil and gas industries. Further, as large truck and off-road equipment OEMs use more super hard materials in the production of parts and diesel engines, hybrid technology is ideal for repair operations in those industries as well. General part recovery is another area where hybrid machinery could be used.

For more information contact:

Scott Walker, President

Mitsui Seiki USA, Inc.

563 Commerce Street

Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

201-337-1300

www.mitsuiseiki.com

IMTS S- 8519

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