Formalloy is enabling customers to integrate its AM capabilities into a robot or production cell.
Metal additive manufacturing (AM) company, Formalloy is set to showcase its new robotics integration for metal AM and Alloy Development Feeder (ADF) at RAPID + TCT this week.
The California-based company, which specialises in direct energy deposition (DED) technology, says it is further enabling the transition from additive as a prototyping tool to a production technology by integrating its AM capabilities into a robot or production cell.
The Formalloy X-series, which was introduced at last year’s RAPID + TCT event, is said to be able to print with one of the most comprehensive lists of metal alloys on the market with improved quality and powder efficiency. All X-series machines come equipped with the Formalloy AX Metal Deposition Head which boasts proven reliability for up to 8kW of laser power and quick-release features for rapid maintenance and component swaps, along with a flexible build volume with up to 5-axis of motion. Now, as an alternative to its full metal AM system, Formalloy is offering users the ability to integrate the AX deposition head, powder feeders and laser, to 3D print, clad and repair metal parts. Visitors to RAPID + TCT in Detroit will be able to see live demonstrations throughout on booth 441.
On the materials front, Formalloy wants to enable both researchers and end-users to rapidly develop new alloys for AM that have superior properties compared to materials developed for established manufacturing processes.
The ADF powder feeder allows development of new materials and alloys, which, according to material development expert and University of California San Diego Professor, Dr. Kenneth Vecchio, “provides an unprecedented capability for material development and research.”
The ADF enables precise deposition of gradient materials to achieve detailed gradient strategies that are not achievable with other manufacturing processes. Parts printed using this technique can deliver greater material properties and feature multiple part assemblies made up of various metals in a single part.
RAPID + TCT takes place on 20-23 May at the Cobo Center in Detroit. Register here to attend and follow @TheTCTMagazine or head to our dedicated RAPID + TCT news section for more updates.
