Greater Opportunity

Redefining the boundaries of industrial 3D printing

Additive manufacturing is an innovative 3D printing technology that uses lasers to meticulously melt fine metal powders layer by layer. By attaining higher overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) through integrated automation, this technology unlocks the potential to create complex metal parts far beyond the capabilities of traditional manufacturing processes such as casting, machining and forging.

We came up with the MetalFAB to allow our customers to benefit from design flexibility and intricate geometries

The problem with traditional AM systems:

Traditional industrial 3D printing technologies come with several constraints, especially in high-value metal component manufacturing. 

Some of these challenges include:

Component 2 – 1@2x

Low productivity & unreliability due to lack of automation and printer robustness

Component 3 – 1@2x

Inadequate level of metal powder handling, posing safety concerns

Component 4 – 1@2x

Inconsistent quality and inefficiency due to calibration issues

Productivity leadership

Driving consistent productivity with full automation

Our high-throughput settings, coupled with unparalleled automation, allow up to 8 sequential builds without any human intervention. This equates to greater than 90% overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) with single shifts. 

 Such superior productivity maximises output, enhancing your bottom line. 

Embrace full automation  - Never interrupt your print operation again:

Experience uninterrupted operation with our system’s full automation that extends even to post-printing processes. An automated build plate exchanges and levels builds and prepares subsequent jobs, fostering a seamless, automated cycle. This continuous flow promotes high productivity, elevates efficiency and ensures consistent quality.

Simple and safe operation

From powder production to post-printing de-powdering under inert conditions

Our automated de-powdering mechanism, paired with a Powder Load Tool (PLT) for powder handling, improves the consistency of part/build quality and minimises exposure risks, exceeding HSE standards for fire prevention and operator safety. 

Ensure a smooth, secure transition between jobs and protect your operators. 

Automated powder handling: 

Boost operational safety with our system’s automatic lid closure and powder extraction. As powder levels decrease during the printing process, the system autonomously draws from the Powder Load Tool (PLT) for immediate replenishment. This proactive approach significantly mitigates the risk of operator exposure.

Guaranteed consistency

Swift calibration ensures consistent quality between parts and across printers

Automated laser calibration in 3D printing  increases productivity and process scalability and ensures high-quality output by precisely matching each laser to the reference. This process dramatically reduces manual intervention, freeing technicians for other high value tasks.

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Further, automated calibration prevents long iteration times, low accuracy and inconsistent reproductibility from manual calibration settings. It also ensures consistent results across multiple printers, a crucial factor in large-scale production.

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Additive Manufacturing is Shaping the future

80%

Laser Powder Bed Fusion Market Share

€3.9 Billion

Size Of Metal AM Market

26%

Projected Metal AM Market Growth In The Next 5 Years

67%

Of Metal AM Users Are In Full Production

MetalFab-Single Core

The MetalFAB Provides Us With a Competitive Advantage in Industrial 3d Printing

Additive Industries is our preferred partner because they listen to their customers and have a deep understanding of the requirements for Metal AM productions. The MetalFAB is a well thought system that gives 3rd Dimension flexibility and a distinct competitive advantage.

Bob Markley - Addman Group, USA

Trusted by Innovative Leaders

Because we value productivity, reliable quality, and safe operation

Our Workflow

Novel or Legacy?

The Additive Manufacturing workflow begins with determining whether you want a novel part designed or if you want to print a legacy part. The most advantageous scenario is to go with a completely redesigned part where you can fully utilize the possibilities of Additive Manufacturing.

Workflow
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We’ve got your back

No matter where you are on your journey!

Novices can count on our help with training or part re-design. We may also put them in touch with our network of contract manufacturers, who can assist in determining the viability of the part.

R&D users may employ entry-level systems that are scalable to production systems in the future, allowing their team to prototype and develop materials. The system puts safety in industrial 3d printing as a priority, with extremely reliable output quality.

As customers gain expertise, we routinely support them with production ramp-up, new engineer training, and fresh material development to expand the application field for their additive parts even further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? We're here to answer! If you don't see your query here, feel free to drop us a line.

Is Metal Additive Manufacturing A Mature Technology?

Yes! Many businesses have adopted the technology, including highly regulated ones like medical and aerospace. Industrial metal additive manufacturing  is utilized to manufacture end parts for usage in demanding environments.

Do I Need To Specifically Design Parts For This Technology?

Every manufacturing technology, whether machining, casting, or forging, has its own set of design constraints or tolerances. It is best to build expressly for AM to reap the full benefits of its design, supply chain, and functionality. Nevertheless, even legacy components that cannot be redesigned are viable candidates for AM. In case you require support, our Additive Studios team can provide guidance on the specifics of your component portfolio.

What Materials Are Most Commonly Used?

Metal Additive Manufacturing is primarily utilized with:

  • Nickel-based superalloys such as 718
  • Steels such as 316L stainless and M300 tool-steel
  • Aluminum alloys such as AlSi10Mg and AlSi7Mg
  • Titanium Ti-6Al-4V

Do I Require Specially Trained Personnel To Adopt This Technology?

Yes, engineers and operators will usually need specialized training. Additive Studios is able to assist with the development of training courses as well as daily operations. This will ensure that your teams can fully capitalize on the advantages of this manufacturing technology while operating the printing systems safely and reliably.

Will This Technology Be Beneficial To All Industries?

Today, only a handful of industries have not yet incorporated metal additive manufacturing. The medical and aerospace sectors were two of the earliest adopters of this technology, driven by the desire for better patient care and lighter weighting. Most start by using additive manufacturing for prototyping to accelerate product development, while others use this technology to identify components that are suitable for final production via metal additive manufacturing.

Single Core

Lowest cost per part, automated, and scalable production

Industrial 3D Printing Provides Reliable Quality

Our open product philosophy for additive manufacturing is driven by a desire to serve customers in highly demanding industries. Invest in a versatile additive manufacturing system that can scale to meet your metal part production requirements.