Process Control for Integration with Hybrid CNC Machine Tools
March 1, 2016
Optomec, a global supplier of production grade additive manufacturing systems for 3-D printed metals and printed electronics, has announced the availability of Smart Additive Manufacturing (SmartAM) technology for use in hybrid CNC machine tools. SmartAM technology provides a closed loop control that monitors and adjusts key process parameters during the build to help ensure metal parts with consistent qualities.
In additive manufacturing 3-D metal parts are built up layer by layer with powdered metal that is melted with a laser. As the build progresses heat build-up in the part can affect the size of the melt pool, which in turn can affect the microstructural properties and dimensional accuracy of the printed metal. For many years Optomec has offered real time process monitoring to control the size of the melt pool in its standalone LENS metal 3-D printers and is now making this same technology available in its LENS Print Engine for integration with CNC mills, lathes, robots, custom gantries or even laser cutting and welding systems.
SmartAM technology consists of special focusing optics and a melt pool sensor, which are housed within the modular LENS Print Engine deposition head. The sensor monitors the build process and control software automatically adjusts laser power to keep the area of melt pool constant. "Numerous studies have demonstrated that this closed loop method is effective in controlling heat input and cooling rate, and thus promotes microstructural uniformity that defines the mechanical properties of the printed metal," said a company spokesperson. "Maintaining melt pool size also ensures the geometric and dimensional integrity of the final part. In actual operation SmartAM reduces laser power from the first layer to the end of the build.
"SmartAM real time process monitoring and control makes it much easier for users new to additive manufacturing to successfully adopt the technology and build quality metal parts with layer to layer consistency."
For more information contact:
Optomec
3911 Singer N.E.
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-761-8250
requestinfo@optomec.com
www.optomec.com
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