Lower cost 3D printer for metal AM

July 11, 2013
Optomec has launched the LENS 450 metal 3D printer, an entry-level system that targets industrial and academic applications.

Albuquerque, NM - Optomec has announced availability of a lower-cost offering in its lineup of metal 3D printers named the LENS 450. The LENS 450 is built on the same LENS core technology that is used throughout industry to repair, coat, and rapidly manufacture a wide variety of high performance metal components. The system was developed specifically in response to growing industry interest in 3D printing of metals, including the need to train a new generation of workers in metal additive manufacturing technology.

The first delivery of the LENS 4503D printer will be to the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science at the University of Pittsburgh, where it will be used in its new Advanced Manufacturing education program. Professor C. Isaac Garcia stated, "Re-establishing America’s global competitiveness is dependent upon a new generation of technicians and engineers trained in advanced manufacturing technologies. The LENS 450 system is an excellent tool to conduct basic and applied research, and for training students on industry proven technology for metal Additive Manufacturing."

The LENS 4503D Printer can process a wide variety of materials, including stainless steel, cobalt chrome, titanium and super-alloys, making it suited for rapid prototyping and repair of small metal components. The cost-effective system provides a 100mm^3 (64 cubic inch) work envelope within a Class 1 laser enclosure that is hermetically sealed to maintain a pristine processing environment and operator safety. Additional features include a 400 W fiber laser, powder feeder, motion control system, and proprietary part preparation and process control software.

Optomec is a privately held, rapidly growing supplier of additive manufacturing systems. These solutions utilize Optomec’s patented aerosol jet printed electronics technology and LENS (laser engineered net shaping) printed metal technology to reduce costs and improve performance.

About the Author

Industrial Laser Solutions Editors

We edited the content of this article, which was contributed by outside sources, to fit our style and substance requirements. (Editors Note: Industrial Laser Solutions has folded as a brand and is now part of Laser Focus World, effective in 2022.)

Sponsored Recommendations

SLP feature for lighting control available on cameras offering

Nov. 28, 2023
A proprietary structured light projector (SLP) feature is now available on the company’s camera series, including the ace 2, boost R, ace U, and ace L.

Chroma Customer Spotlight - Dr. David Warshaw, About his Lab

Nov. 27, 2023
David Warshaw, Professor and Chair of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Vermont (UVM), walks us through his lab. Learn about his lab’s work with the protein...

Catalog of Filters and Filter Sets

Nov. 27, 2023
This price list provides information about the filter sets Chroma Technology has created for the multitude of fluorochromes that are typically used in epi-fluorescence microscopy...

Handbook of Optical Filters for Fluorescence Microscopy

Nov. 27, 2023
Fluorescence microscopy requires optical filters that have demanding spectral and physical characteristics. These performance requirements can vary greatly depending on the specific...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!