Velo3D Launches Large Format 3D Metal Printer with Knust-Godwin as First Customer
The next-generation Sapphire machine will print up to 1 meter in height, said to be the tallest laser-powder additive manufacturing system.
Digital manufacturing innovator Velo3D has announced its plans to launch a next-generation Sapphire industrial 3D metal printer with a vertical axis of 1 meter. The system will ship in late 2020, with precision-tool and component manufacturer Knust-Godwin securing the first order to produce parts for an oil and gas application.
The meter-tall Sapphire printer includes a 315mm-diameter build plate, dual 1kW lasers, in-situ optical calibration, and many of the same characteristics of the existing Sapphire machine. The production metal-powder laser additive manufacturing system is expected to exceed the build height of both the SLM 800 and the GE Additive X Line 2000R.
“A meter-tall system enables industrial applications that couldn’t be built before, especially for oilfield service tools and flight hardware. Best of all, it will still utilize our highly patented SupportFree process, in-situ calibration, and process control for quality assurance,” states Benny Buller, Founder and CEO of Velo3D.
The immediate part opportunity that Knust-Godwin will address with the meter-tall Sapphire printer is a part for oilfield drilling that is currently manufactured by more than five subtractive processes. Additive manufacturing enables consolidation of such traditional processes, improving part quality and part performance, the company says.
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