Accufacture Develops Alchemist 1 Robotic AM Cell Engineered With Meltio’s Wire-Laser Metal 3D printing Technology

Meltio, a manufacturer of wire-laser metal deposition systems, worked with Accufacture and FANUC America to develop the Alchemist 1, an all-in-one additive manufacturing (AM) robotic work cell. It was engineered for seamless integration and rapid deployment for the safe and reliable manufacture and repair of metal parts.

Powered by Meltio’s Wire-Laser Metal Deposition (W-LMD) technology, the Alchemist 1 delivers cost-effective production of large, fully dense metal parts which are well suited for the needs of automotive, aerospace, mining, oil and gas, and other sectors.

The work cell offers a variety of key features, including a deposition rate of up to 1 kg/hr., a spacious build volume of 3.2 × 6.5 × 3.2 ft., and compatibility with inexpensive welding wire feedstock to offer both dependable performance and affordability.

The pre-integrated Alchemist 1 Cell is made in the USA by Accufacture to seamlessly combines Meltio’s LW-DED (Directed Energy Deposition) head with a state-of-the-art FANUC six-axis robot and two-axis positioner within a sleek, laser-safe enclosure. The system comes complete with a complementary Meltio Space robotic slicer license, though customers have the flexibility to utilize other slicer technologies as well.

“Our Alchemist 1 Cell marks the culmination of our extensive relationship with Meltio and FANUC, aimed at expanding the horizons of large-format metal 3D printing,” says Xavier Fajardo, Accufacture CEO. “By offering a standardized, preconfigured solution, we aim to streamline the adoption process for our customers, thereby accelerating innovation across diverse industries.”

This work cell development deepens Meltio’s collaboration with Accufacture. “This solution not only caters to the needs of North American customers but also underscores our shared commitment to efficiency and simplicity in metal additive manufacturing,” says Alejandro Nieto, Meltio engine product manager.

FANUC also played an integral role in the work cell development. “The DED print quality coupled with the FANUC Robot motion allows for Accufacture to combine the best of both companies’ technologies into a complete Class 1 laser package,” says Michael Sharpe, FANUC executive director sales for materials joining. “The Alchemist 1 solution simplifies 3D LW-DED printing so customers can concentrate on production.”