Velo3D Enhances Additive Manufacturing with Sapphire XC Metal 3D Printer

Velo3D Advances Additive Manufacturing with New Order

Velo3D, Inc. has made notable strides in the field of additive manufacturing by securing an order for the Sapphire XC metal 3D printer from Mears Machine Corporation. This acquisition marks Mears Machine's fourth Sapphire XC, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to modernize their production capabilities in response to a greater demand from their clientele.

The Sapphire XC is particularly tailored for utilizing advanced materials, including nickel super-alloy H282. This alloy is prized for its superior performance in high-temperature applications, making it especially suitable for the aerospace sector and industrial environments. What sets H282 apart is its remarkable characteristics, such as excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and exceptional performance under creep conditions, which are often encountered in gas turbines. Applications of this superalloy include critical components like combustion liners and nozzle parts, which are pivotal in high-stress environments.

As precision machining continues to evolve, integrating such advanced manufacturing technology like the Sapphire XC can significantly enhance a workshop's capability to produce complex parts that only cutting-edge systems can handle. Roger Mears, the Executive Chairman of Mears Machine, expressed excitement about how implementing this technology has already surpassed expectations in terms of client engagement and operational efficiency.

Mears Machine’s integration of the Sapphire XC will not only improve their productivity but also allow them to offer their customers faster turnaround times and more intricate designs, empowering them to meet increasing demands. With an arsenal of four printers, Mears Machine is poised to respond swiftly and effectively to the evolving needs and expectations of their customers.

A New Era in Additive Manufacturing

The Velo3D Sapphire XC brings unparalleled capabilities to metal 3D printing. It utilizes eight powerful 1-kilowatt lasers which facilitate printing intricate structures that measure up to 600 mm in diameter and 550 mm in height, with the option for greater sizes up to 1,000 mm height with the Sapphire XC 1MZ variant. This dynamic feature enhances the printer's ability to create large-sized, precise components that are increasingly sought after in various engineering fields.

According to Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D, the company's evolution in technology exemplifies the ongoing shift within traditional machining sectors towards automated and additive production processes. Velo3D's all-inclusive solution, which integrates state-of-the-art software tools, advanced printing hardware, and meticulous quality control processes through their Intelligent Fusion methodology, equips manufacturers like Mears Machine to efficiently address challenges in production scalability while keeping costs manageable.

The push for integrated 3D printing solutions is a response to an identified gap in the market: while various businesses are eager to innovate, many face hurdles in adapting existing processes to encompass additive manufacturing. By providing a comprehensive technological suite that supports scalability and affordability, Velo3D positions itself as a catalyst for the additive manufacturing revolution.

Partnership and Future Prospects

Velo3D’s robust partnership with Mears Machine exemplifies how companies across sectors can leverage these technologies to remain competitive. Mears Machine, with its established precision machining reputation, stands out in the additive landscape by incorporating advanced capabilities and expanding their production menu. This collaboration not only ensures that Mears Machine amplifies its service offerings but also enhances Velo3D’s market footprint.

Reflecting on this partnership, the implications for defense, aerospace, and industrial procurement can be profound. As such technologies become mainstream, Velo3D has set the stage for significant advancements in how critical parts are manufactured in the future, welcoming a new era of innovation that promises to redefine industry standards. Companies utilizing Velo3D’s capabilities are now positioned to lead in their respective sectors, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in manufacturing and production.