Farsoon launches two large-format metal AM machines
Farsoon Technologies, headquartered in Changsha, China, has announced the launch of the large-format FS1311M-U and FS812M-U Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing machines.
FS812M-U
The FS812M-U is the latest evolution of its 800 mm-class series, which was originally launched in 2021. Designed to meet the requirements of aerospace and high-volume automotive applications, the machine features a 41% reduction in footprint compared to its predecessor, the FS811M, while increasing build height to approximately 1,700 mm. This enables the production of tall, complex components, including grid stabiliser fins and hypersonic precoolers, with reduced support structures, lowering both material consumption and post-processing requirements.
The AM machine features a build volume of 810 × 810 × 1,700 mm, supporting large-scale part production. It is equipped with either eight or ten lasers as standard, supporting high throughput. Optional beam shaping technology is available to further improve efficiency and support scalable production.
In an effort to ensure consistent part quality, the FS812M-U incorporates a multi-layer gas flow system with dual-layer slits and dual exhaust, designed to maintain uniform flow across the build area. According to the company, optimisation of airflow channels reduces turbulence and recirculation, supporting a stable build environment and protecting optical components from contamination.
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For series production, the FS812M-U incorporates features intended to reduce operating costs. These include scanning strategies and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) connectivity for workflow integration, as well as a closed-loop powder handling system to reduce material waste. A three-station configuration enables parallel operations, while front and rear access points are intended to simplify maintenance and reduce downtime.
“With over forty units already in the field, the 800-series has proven itself as the workhorse for large-format metal AM across demanding industries,” stated Dr Xiaoshu Xu, founder and chairman at Farsoon. “The new FS812M-U represents a quantum leap forward. By drastically reducing the system footprint while increasing build height and integrating advanced thermal management, we are empowering our customers to produce taller, more complex parts with greater efficiency and lower cost-per-part than ever before. This is large-format AM engineered for true series production.”
FS1311M-U
The FS1311M-U is designed to address key challenges in metal Additive Manufacturing, including productivity for large, complex parts, batch consistency and process control. It is intended for use in aerospace, automotive and energy applications.
The machine offers a build volume of 1310 × 1310 × 1650 mm. Its compact design is intended to support integration into production environments where floor space is limited.
Equipped with a sixteen-laser configuration and optional beam shaping technology, the FS1311M-U is designed to improve build efficiency. Optimised energy distribution enables wider scan spacing, increased layer thickness and higher scanning speeds. The machine reportedly achieves build rates of up to 1440 cm³/h in Ti-6Al-4V at a 150 µm layer thickness. According to the company, this can reduce material waste, improve energy use and lower cost per part.
In an effort to support repeatable quality in volume production, the machine incorporates a multi-laser optical architecture with controlled overlap, alongside recoating monitoring. Its airflow system, combining multi-layer gas flow and an air-wall design, is intended to minimise turbulence and contamination across the build area, supporting stable process conditions over extended builds.
The FS1311M-U includes Manufacturing Execution System (MES) connectivity to support workflow integration. A closed-loop powder management system and three-station architecture enable parallel operations, intended to improve overall productivity.
Based on Farsoon’s control architecture and hardware, the system is designed to support integration and long-term operation. A permanent filtration system enables extended build times with reduced downtime, while real-time monitoring is intended to enhance process oversight.
The company states that the FS1311M-U is intended to support the transition from prototyping to series production in large-format metal Additive Manufacturing applications.
