3D From Nothing

The solution Velo3D has delivered to Lockheed Martin includes a Sapphire printer, Velo3D’s Flow print preparation software, its Assure quality assurance and control software, and its underlying Intelligent Fusion manufacturing process, which optimizes the additive manufacturing process by combining process simulation, geometry-based detection, and build process monitoring during print execution. This end-to-end solution gives customers the confidence that the mission-critical parts printed using Velo3D’s additive manufacturing technology preserve design intent. It also provides customers with the ability to produce identical parts across any Velo3D Sapphire printer, so as production needs increase, customers can merely add additional printers to their production facilities anywhere in the world or utilize Velo3D’s network of contract manufacturers.

A recent article at 3Dnatives.com says "Velo3D points to advanced metal AM solutions, especially its own Sapphire® systems, as the solution to overcome these barriers. Industrial metal AM machines allow for more aerospace companies to turn confidently towards additive manufacturing. But how exactly will this be accomplished?

Looking at each barrier individually, advanced metal systems have built-in solutions to overcome them, making metal 3D printing more reliable and easier for users. For example, a non-contact recoater arm in advanced AM systems eliminated issues with protruding surfaces, ensuring that there will be no recoater clashes. This in turn significantly reduces the likelihood of failed builds as well as provides for a smoother surface, allowing for less time in post-processing.

When it comes to the question of software, advanced industrial metal systems work to integrate extreme process controls, resulting in better parts, printed faster, with metallurgical structural integrity. A robust workflow also ensures that not only is printing easy, as CAD files can be worked with directly and optimized within the machine, but processes are monitored, also reducing failures. Finally, the company points to superior gas ventilation present in these industrial solutions, allowing for the evacuation of accompanying soot and thus more rapid laser fusion... Velo3D concludes, “Advanced industrial metal AM technology has at last reached the point where it reliably delivers on the promise of unprecedented design freedom, shorter lead times, reduced development and production costs, and the highest-quality, fully-functional end-use parts for aerospace and defense.”