Optomec metal printers boast high speeds, low costs

LENS CS 600 and LENS CS 800 Optomec’s line of production-grade metal 3-D printers can be used to build molds using high-strength tool steels, as well as for modification and repair work. They employ directed energy deposition (DED), which directs metal powder from multiple nozzles to the focal point of the unit’s laser. Both models have a controlled-atmosphere chamber that uses an argon purge to keep oxygen levels below 10 parts per million when working with reactive metals.

What’s new? The LENS CS 600 and LENS CS 800 models. They arose from Optomec’s efforts to replace an earlier generation of machines with more modern technology, such as improved software. Operators can perform three-axis, four-axis or simultaneous five-axis functions without sacrificing build volume.

Benefits Higher speeds and lower cost. DED can produce certain metal parts up to 10 times faster than powder bed fusion printing at as low as one-fifth the price. Also, the LENS CS 600 has a larger build volume than Optomec’s earlier LENS MR-7 model, but costs about $100,000 less.