Vader Systems Announces First Sale of Mk1 3D Printer
The first commercial sale of the metal 3D printer will go to a Tier One supplier of automotive components.
Vader Systems has announced the first commercial sale of its Mk1 system for liquid metal 3D printing to Becker CAD-CAM-CAST, a Tier One supplier of engineered aluminum automotive components.
Vader’s MagnetoJet technology melts metal wire and uses electromagnetic propulsion to produce on-demand, precision droplets of molten aluminum. According to the company, the process enables forming parts at faster rates and with reduced operational costs compared to powder-bed processes. MagnetoJet produces a dense part without requiring lengthy postprocessing. It is also said to provide safer operation.
Because the system uses standard aluminum wire, the Mk1 offers simplified material sourcing and reduced material costs. Vader currently prints with 4043 aluminum, while 6061 and 7075 aluminum alloys, copper and bronze are under development.
Zachary Vader, chief innovation officer and co-founder of Vader Systems, is also the inventor of MagnetoJet. He explains, “An important part of my vision in developing this technology was to impact the automotive industry. I’m thrilled that a company of Becker’s caliber has recognized this potential and is choosing to integrate the Mk1 into their manufacturing process.”
Scott Vader, Vader’s president and co-founder, adds, “We are excited that our liquid metal 3D printing process will be used to enhance the exceptional value Becker already delivers to its customers, and we look forward to a long and productive collaboration with the Becker team.”
According to Becker’s CEO Michael Becker, “Vader’s printing technology is a gamechanger for cost-effective, low-volume production of aluminum components. It aligns with our goal to deliver shorter lead times and higher performance for our customers.”
Becker will begin to integrate the Mk1 system into its manufacturing process at the company’s new Wixom, Michigan, plant in the first quarter of 2018, with plans to add a second system at its Germany headquarters in late 2018.
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