Hybrid Metal 3D Printer Adds In-Process Correction Technology
An In-Process Correction system increases the precision of both additive and subtractive processes inside Sodick’s OPM metal 3D printing hybrid platform.
Sodick has developed a new In-Process Correction system for its OPM hybrid metal 3D printer. Using a CCD camera installed within the machine, the In-Process system aligns the OPM’s 500-W fiber laser and 45,000-rpm spindle, and automatically corrects their positions and performs realignments when they become due in the maintenance cycle.
The company says the system improves the precision of both the laser sintering and milling processes, reduces the frequency of maintenance, and ensures greater process accuracy. The improved accuracy of the machine further makes it possible to program a smaller offset, ultimately reducing the amount of machining time required by as much as 25 percent. The system is said to enable producing parts faster and more reliably with less frequent maintenance.
Related Content
-
SolidCAM Wants to Help Machine Shops Get into Additive Manufacturing
SolidCAM's partnership with Desktop Metal is aimed at making additive manufacturing more accessible to job shops and other manufacturers.
-
10 Ways Additive Manufacturing and Machining Go Together and Affect One Another
Forget “additive versus subtractive.” Machining and metal additive manufacturing are interconnected, and enhance the possibilities for one another. Here is a look at just some of the ways additive and machining interrelate right now.
-
5 Tips for Getting the Most From the Historic Return of North America’s Biggest Manufacturing Event
Plan. Explore. Think of the future. And oh yeah, the shoes. Here is how to get the most from the major manufacturing event that none of us have experienced in four years, and that many will be experiencing for the first time.