New SonicLayer 1200 is the result of a collaboration between Fabrisonic and NASA to scale down UAM for potential use on the International Space Station.
U.S. metal 3D printing company, Fabrisonic has introduced the latest machine based on its Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing (UAM) process.
The new SonicLayer 1200, showcased at RAPID + TCT last week, uses the company’s hybrid manufacturing technology which leverages a unique room temperature metal deposition process harnessing sound waves to merge layers of metal foil without the need for melting, combined with the finish of traditional CNC milling. The technology allows for dissimilar metals to be fused together from common feedstock, allowing for additive manufacturing of new materials and parts with complex internal geometries.
Responding to the demand for a smaller UAM system, the new machine features a build volume of 10 x 10 x 10 inches, promising both a more compact footprint and lower price tag listed at under 200,000 USD, ideal for research and development labs in industry and academia.
The machine is the result of a recent collaboration between Fabrisonic and NASA to scale down its UAM technology for potential use on the International Space Station. The SonicLayer 1200 hybrid approach means all internal and external surfaces boast CNC quality surface finish and accuracy. Similar to larger UAM systems, the solid-state nature of the technology also enables bonding at low temperatures (<2500 F) for various metals and embedded electronics with minimal safety concerns.
“Although UAM has been utilised for years in high impact markets such as aerospace and defense, the costs associated with the large scale Fabrisonic systems has been a barrier to entry for some companies and universities,” comments Mark Norfolk, president & CEO. “The SonicLayer 1200 is both powerful and affordable.”
