Optomec LENS Metal AM Systems Offer Minimal Footprint

The recently introduced LENS CS 600 and CS 800 Controlled Atmosphere (CA) directed energy deposition (DED) systems are additions to Optomec’s Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) Classic System Series. They are said to maximize the process build envelope with a minimal system footprint. LENS systems’ high-powered lasers build structures layer by layer directly from powdered metals, alloys, ceramics or composites to produce fully-dense parts with excellent mechanical and fatigue properties, the company says. LENS can also add metal to existing parts for repair and coating applications that extend the useful life of components without the need to re-fixture or align the component on a second machine.

The LENS CS 600 and CS 800 provide controlled-atmosphere chambers to allow for processing of both non-reactive and reactive metals in an atmosphere that keeps moisture and oxygen levels at less than 10 ppm. The included Siemens 840D controller enables from three-axis to simultaneous five-axis motion 3D printing. These systems are also compatible with Optomec’s latest-generation LENS deposition head providing higher-power laser processing ranging to 3 kW, interchangeable print nozzles and variable spot sizes.

Designed to maximize the process build envelope while minimizing chamber volume and system footprint, the machines are equipped with a linear three-axis motion system, but can be delivered with a user-interchangeable rotary table and/or tilt-rotate trunnion for four- and five-axis operations. The Siemens motion controller provides an easy-to-use push-button HMI and uses industry standard G&M codes to drive the system. Optional material starter recipes, closed-loop process controls, thermal imaging and five-axis toolpath generation software are offered in the LENS CS 600 and CS 800 systems.