SonicLayer 1600 employs additive, subtractive manufacturing
3D metal printers Fabrisonic’s hybrid metal 3D printers employ Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing (UAM), a 3D printing technology that lays down thin layers of metal foil and bonds them layer by layer using ultrasonic sound waves, without melting the metals. The process works with metals including aluminum, copper, stainless steel and titanium, and allows dissimilar metals to be fused together. These printers could be used for making molds and mold components.
What’s new? Fabrisonic’s Sonic-Layer 1600. The printer builds parts on a commercial vertical machining center, allowing for the use of additive and subtractive operations.
Benefits Optimized part performance. The printer can join dissimilar materials to enhance characteristics such as thermal exchange, create complex internal geometries, and embed sensors and electronics within a finished part. Compared to traditional techniques, it wastes less material because it does not machine down standard billets.
Fabrisonic, Lewis Center, Ohio, 380-227-1400, www.fabrisonic.com
Vital Statistics
Overall system height | 9 feet |
Typical system weight | 8,000 pounds |
Typical system footprint | 7.5 feet by 10 feet |
Work envelope | 14.5 inches by 14.5 inches by 17 inches |
David Tillett | Associate Editor
Associate Editor David Tillett writes and edits for Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing, Plastics Recycling and The Journal of Blow Molding. He covers new products, industry news, patents and consumer and business equipment. He has more than 20 years of experience in daily newspaper, online and magazine journalism.