Nov 5, 2015 | By Kira
A collaboration between the Tecnalia of San Sebastián research centre, the University of Basque Country (UPV-EHU), and machine-tool manufacturer Ibarmia in Spain has led to one of the most advanced industrial 3D printers in the world, and the first to combine 3D printing technology and precision machining into a single ‘hybrid’ manufacturing machine.
Known as the Add + Process, this new industrial 3D printer, developed within just nine months at the cost of roughly $1 million, is capable of creating large-size metal prototypes and finished pieces up to 1.6 meters long, and hopes to “revolutionize the industry,” by increasing efficiency and product innovation in the automotive, aircraft, oil & gas, and machine-tool sectors. The Basque creation has already sparked the interest of industry players in the United States, the Netherlands, France and Spain.
What makes the hybrid Add + Process unique is that it incorporates laser-based additive technologies while allowing large-scale parts to be simultaneously milled and turned. This “autonomous production centre” allows users to create large metal parts and high-value repair components entirely from scratch, with high-accuracy finishing. The machine takes metal powder, its raw material, and handles it on a micrometric scale at a rate of 40 grams per minute, depositing it in precise patterns until the solid object has been built. The process can save up to 60% in production time and materials compared to traditional manufacturing techniques.
The Add + Process was unveiled yesterday during a presentation attended by the Basque Minister of Economic Development and Competitiveness, Arantxa Tapia, the Vice President of Design and Transfer of UPV-EHU, Amaia Maseda, the Director of Ibarmia, Koldo Arandia, and the Deputy General Managaer of Tecnalia, Iñaki San Sebastián.
Arantxa Tapia, Koldo Arandia, Iñaki San Sebastián and Amaia Maseda in the presentation of 3D printing machine
"We are facing a technological, industrial and business milestone globally," said San Sebastián, who stressed the importance of this machine to industrial manufacturers in the Spanish State and beyond. The development of the 3D printer’s unique hybrid technology is seen as a clear example of the benefits of collaboration between the knowledge, technology, and business spheres, represented by each of the three companies involved. It was made possible thanks to the SPRI (Basque Autonomous Community’s Business Development Agency) and its RIS3 ‘Smart Specialization’ in advanced manufacturing, which in part allocates research funds to improving the competitiveness of the Basque Country.
The Add + Process represents an important and potentially revolutionary step forward in industrial additive manufacturing, increasing the production speeds of large-scale metal parts, both for end-use and prototyping purposes. We'll look forward to seeing where and how it is implemented by industrial manufacturers across the globe.
Posted in 3D Printers
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Gypsy people can claim everything!
Jason Tay wrote at 11/6/2015 3:26:30 AM:
How can they claim to be the first to make such a machine if you can already buy such hybrid additive + subtractive machines from companies like Mazak?
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