LENS CS 600 and CS 800 Controlled Atmosphere DED Systems are designed to maximise the LENS process build envelope within a small machine footprint.
Metal 3D printing systems manufacturer, Optomec, has launched two new controlled atmosphere direct energy deposition (DED) systems based on its LENS (Laser Engineered Net Shaping) technology series.
The new configurable LENS CS 600 and CS 800 Controlled Atmosphere (CA) DED Systems are designed to maximise the LENS process build envelope within a small machine footprint while CA chambers allow for processing of both non-reactive and reactive metals in an atmosphere that keeps moisture and oxygen levels at less than 10 ppm.
Built on LENS 3D printing technology, the systems use high power lasers to create fully dense parts in metal, ceramics or composite materials and can be leveraged to add metal to existing parts for repair or coating applications. The new systems launched today are compatible with Optomec’s latest generation LENS deposition head which provides even higher power laser processing, interchangeable print nozzles and variable spot sizes.
Standard LENS systems are fitted with a linear three-axis motion system which can be upgraded with a user interchangeable rotary table and/or tilt-rotate trunnion for four and five-axis operations. The new CS 600 and 800 machines come equipped with Siemens 840D controller which allows for smooth 3D printing from three-axis up to simultaneous five axis motion. The Siemens motion controller provides a simple push button interface and utilises industry standard G&M codes to drive the system. Operators will also benefit from material starter recipes, closed loop process controls, thermal imaging, and five-axis tool path generation software.
“These new systems come packed with next-generation DED components all born from signature Optomec know-how and built to provide affordable, high-quality metal additive manufacturing capabilities for industry’s most demanding requirements,” said Tom Cobbs, Optomec LENS product manager. “The LENS CS 600 and CS 800 systems represent the latest in DED processing from precision deposition to cladding applications and extend our product portfolio to continue to provide high-value metal additive manufacturing solutions.”
Optomec says the first customer shipments have already begun this year.
