Velo3D’s Sapphire XC Large-Format 3D Metal Printer Increases Throughput

Velo3D has expanded its systems portfolio with the Sapphire XC, an extra-capacity, large-format 3D metal printer that can increase production throughput by 5X and reduce cost-per-part by up to 75%, when compared to the existing Sapphire system.

The Sapphire XC uses a laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) process with capabilities to print without consideration of support structures. The system is well-suited for the aerospace, power generation and energy markets which need quality-assured manufacturing of uncompromised geometries.

“Printing larger parts without the additive manufacturing constraints of support structures is highly attractive to many industrial end-users,” says Benny Buller, founder and CEO of Velo3D. “For the first time, customers will be able to 3D print uncompromised geometries, with the highest confidence in part quality, in a large-format system. Quality assurance with large-scale components is critical because the economic impact of failed builds is very significant. We have demonstrated that our integrated solution is capable of producing a greater yield of high-quality parts, and that foundational technology will transfer to our new Sapphire XC.”

Sapphire XC Features include a large build volume of 600 mm × 550 mm; high productivity for production with 8 lasers × 1,000 W each; and a fully integrated manufacturing process using Flow preprint software and Assure quality control software. It utilizes the same optical-train design, recoater technology, gas-flow technology and metrology as the current Sapphire. Users can also expect similar material properties as Sapphire. Qualified material alloys include aluminum F357, titanium 6AI-4V, Inconel 718 and Hastelloy X.