www.3ders.org

Apr 25, 2018 | By Thomas

GE Additive today unveiled a brand new additive manufacturing system, the Arcam EBM Spectra H designed to handle high heat and crack prone materials. With an extended build volume, Spectra H will be capable of producing larger parts at temperatures exceeding 1000°C.

As manufacturers make significant steps towards serial production, they require larger, faster, industrialized solutions and machines that are capable of handling high heat and crack prone materials, such as titanium aluminide (TiAl). At launch the Arcam EBM Spectra H will support both TiAl and Alloy 718 and additional Ni-super alloys will be supported from 2019. GE Additive‘s materials science group is currently investigating using "a wider range high heat materials, including; nickel superalloys, tungsten, CoCr, stainless steel and metal matrix composites."

The Arcam EBM Spectra H incorporates a range of new features and enhancements:

• An auto-calibrated 6kW beam means that all pre- and post-heating steps take half the time in contrast with present EBM machines
• Increased build volume from 200x200x380mm to Ø250x430mm
• Closed-loop system with dust-tight environment
• Movable heat shields for improved insulation
• Automated powder distribution and powder recovery system
• Cyclone and magnetic separators for maximum powder control

GE Additive says that the build speed of the 3D printer has increased by as much as 50%. Enhancements to heat management with a moveable heat shield are designed to keep heat in the build area. An improved layering procedure decreases the need for heating, saving approximately five hours for a full height build.

Utilizing Arcam xQam automatic calibration technology has resulted in higher position and focus accuracy, removing the need for manual calibration. It reduces the process from three to four hours to 15 minutes. GE Additive says this innovation will be incorporated on the Arcam EBM Spectra H and all Qplus systems.

In addition, reducing dependency on operators and incorporating automation technologies to improve accuracy has also been in focus during the development of the Arcam EBM Spectra H. Powder weight is controlled in the PRS and inside the hopper filling station and simplified set-up is feasible with computerized powder hoppers. Calibration of the fetch position only needs to take place during a material change, no longer before machine start.

The operator is also protected against the powder. Closed powder handling maintains batch integrity and reduces the risk of contamination. Removal of unwanted particles is handled by a thorough process; a cyclone for small and low-density particles, a sieve for coarse particles and magnetic traps.

Jason Oliver President and CEO, GE Additive stated, “This new system reveals our dedication to growing industry-leading additive machines, supplies, and companies. We stay targeted on accelerating innovation throughout sectors and serving to the world work smarter, sooner and extra effectively.”

 

 

Posted in 3D Printer

 

 

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