Colibrium Additive Develops Spectra M EB-PBF Printer for Smaller Build Volumes

Colibrium Additive, a GE Aerospace company, has launched the Spectra M electron beam melting powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) printer which offers a smaller build volume without compromising the freedom of design and productivity benefits offered by EB-PBF technology. The company says it has been developing the smaller build volume printer for some time, building on the technology and productivity gains achievable on its Spectra technology platform.

The printer’s smaller build volume makes the Spectra M well suited for additive manufacturing (AM) users in most industries, but especially for medical and orthopedic implant manufacturers looking to further reduce cost-per-part and additive production costs.

“Having the largest installed base of highly experienced, long-standing users provides invaluable insight, and help is constantly evolving our portfolio to provide EB-PBF technologies that fulfill their specific requirements as they continue to scale their additive manufacturing operations,” says Oscar Angervall, senior product manager, Colibrium Additive. “Spectra M is in direct response to constant dialogue with our customers, particularly those additive super users in the orthopedic implant industry.”

The Spectra M comes equipped with EBMControl 6.4 and is fully compatible with point melt, powder supports and plate-free technology. Depending on their application, customers can choose between a high productivity theme or an advanced point melt-based process theme to enable support-free printing without compromising surface roughness or mechanical properties.

The machine has a build envelope of 270 × 430 mm with a beam power of 4.5 kW. The printer works with Ti6Al4V Grade 5 and Ti6Al4V Grade 23 materials.

The Spectra M can be ordered now, with first deliveries expected in early Q1 2025.