Page 17 - 3D Metal Printing Summer 2019

RAPID + TCT:
Materials, Machines, Software Galore...and More
RAPID + TCT concluded another successful technology- and attendee-packed event this past May in Detroit. Here is some of what
3D Metal Printing’s editors saw. Look for more online and in future issues of 3DMP.
FEATURE 3D
STAFF REPORT
Velo3D had on display an impressive array of parts pro- duced via its Sapphire 3D print system and Flow print- preparation software, with Intelligent Fusion technology optimizing the process by combining thermal process simulation, print prediction and closed-loop control during print execution.
Many showcased parts (including the pictured full-height factory-test specimen) provided examples of the Sapphire’s sup- port-free capabilities—it reportedly provides the unique ability to print low angles and overhangs below 10 deg., as well as large diameters and inner tubes to 40 mm without the need for sup- ports. This not only eliminates the need for post-processing, but overcomes the “45 deg. rule,” as described by Velo3D officials and referring to a boundary requiring supports at angles of less than 45 deg.
Designed for production manufacturing, the system includes tools for support generation, simulated print predictions, per- surface process application, slice composer and process review. The reported result: 3D printed production of complex metal components with high levels of quality control.
To deliver part-to-part consistency, Sapphire’s integrated in- situ process metrology enables closed-loop melt-pool control, and the system contains a module that enables automated changeover with offline unpacking.
Flow print-preparation software includes support generation when needed, process selection, slicing and simulation of com- plex part designs to validate execution feasibility before the build. Geometrical feature-driven processing enables low angles below 5 deg. In addition, deformation correction technology
enables the user to produce parts without the need for itera- tions, achiev-
ing a first- print success rate to 90 percent, accord-
ing to Velo3D officials.
Fol- lowing
RAPID +
TCT, Velo3D
announced that it
has partnered with
Boom Supersonic, a Colorado-based firm now building what company officials say will be the world’s fastest supersonic airliner, the XB-1 Mach-2.2 (1687 mph) demonstrator aircraft, designed for speed to Mach 2.2, or 1687 mph.
Boom and Velo3D have conducted successful validation trials with plans calling for the installation of two 3D printed titanium parts on the prototype aircraft in early 2020 as part of a control for ensuring safe flight in all conditions.
www.velo3d.com
3DMPmag.com
SUMMER 2019 • 3D METAL PRINTING | 15