University of Nebraska buys Optomec hybrid additive manufacturing system

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) has ordered a LENS 3D metal hybrid-controlled atmosphere system from Optomec (Albuquerque, NM), a rapidly growing supplier of additive manufacturing (a.k.a. 3D printing) systems. The system is part of the company's new LENS Machine Tool series, which combines a high-quality CNC vertical mill from Fryer Machine Systems (Patterson, NY) with Optomec's LENS Print Engine technology to enable low-cost, high-value metal additive and subtractive metalworking

Michael P. Sealy, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering at UNL, explains that his lab has invested in establishing leadership in hybrid manufacturing research, so the new system will enable the lab to tap the full potential of its industry-driven research.

UNL will use the system to advance research in key areas such as heavy machinery, medical devices, and aeronautics. They needed a machine that could perform both additive and subtractive processes, but also operate in an enclosed environment so that oxygen can be purged from the system to allow for printing metals such as titanium and aluminum. This system is the first commercially available machine of its kind to provide hybrid manufacturing capabilities for reactive metals and aluminum.

For more information, please visit www.optomec.com.