Optomec Introduces LENS 860 Hybrid Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Metal 3D Printer

Optomec is launching the LENS 860 Hybrid Controlled Atmosphere (CA) system. The machine offers a larger build volume and supports higher laser power, providing more capabilities for affordable, quality hybrid manufacturing in metal.

The LENS 860 Hybrid CA system has an 860 × 600 × 610-mm work envelope, is equipped with a hermetically-sealed build chamber that maintains oxygen and moisture levels below 10 ppm for processing reactive metals, such as titanium. The system can be configured with closed-loop controls and a high-power 3-kW fiber laser, making it ideal for building, repairing or coating mid to large size parts, the company says.

According to Optomec, the LENS 860 Hybrid CA system can produce and repair larger parts cost-effectively and also provides versatility, with the ability to print fine-features for thin wall structures and perform wide area cladding for wear coating applications. Optomec software enables five-axis build strategies that combine additive and subtractive operations in a single tool path. A range of material starter recipes are available to help speed adoption with the LENS 860 Hybrid Controlled Atmosphere System.

The system is capable of producing and repairing larger parts cost-effectively, the company says. It is versatile, offering the ability to print fine features for thin-walled structures as well as wide area cladding for wear coating applications. Five-axis build strategies combine additive and subtractive operations in a single tool path. A range of material starter recipes are available to help speed adoption.

Three configurations are also available, in addition to the Hybrid CA model. The LENS 860 Hybrid Open Atmosphere (OA) system is designed to process nonreactive metals, such as stainless steel, tool steel and Inconel. Two Additive-Only models (both Open and Controlled Atmosphere) round out the new large format Machine Tool Series of LENS systems.

All Machine Tool Series systems incorporate Optomec LENS 3D metal printing technology which has been enhanced for higher power and faster additive manufacturing. The Hybrid configuration enables milling for finish machining on a printed part without re-fixturing or aligning the component on a second machine.