Nidec DED Metal AM Printer Features Large Build Envelope

Nidec Machine Tool Corp.’s LAMDA5000 is its most expansive directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing (AM) machine to date. The large system has a build envelope measuring 5,000 × 2,500 × 1,600 mm, enabling manufacturers to create supersized metal components which were previously inconceivable with DED technology.

The LAMDA5000 is designed to exceed the constraints of traditional DED machines, enabling the creation of very large and complex parts for industries such as shipbuilding, aerospace, oil and gas, automotive tooling and more.

The LAMDA5000 is said to deliver exceptional production rates while maintaining a high dimensional accuracy. Wall thicknesses of less than 1 mm are achievable in, for example, Inconel (and other materials) in normal operation.

It also offers advanced process control. Nidec’s proprietary DED technology, including real-time melt pool monitoring and high-speed feedback, ensures consistent material properties and unmatched quality throughout the entire build. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for anomaly detection further protects against defects.

With this system, an inert gas chamber is not required. The LAMDA5000’s nozzle design with local shielding eliminates the need for a costly environmental chamber, simplifying operation and reducing overall production costs.

This DED machine works with multiple materials. The use of a second optional powder feeder enables both gradient and multiple material builds.