Accufacture and Meltio unveil Alchemist 1 Additive Manufacturing robotic workcell
April 18, 2024
Meltio, based in Linares, Spain, has partnered with Accufacture, Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA and FANUC America to introduce Alchemist 1, an all-in-one Additive Manufacturing robotic workcell made in the USA.
Powered by Meltio’s Directed Energy Deposition (DED) wire-laser technology, Alchemist 1 is said to enable the cost-effective production of large, fully dense metal parts, suited to the needs of industries such as automotive, aerospace, mining, and oil and gas. The machine features a deposition rate of up to 1 kg an hour, a build volume of 98 x 198 x 98 cm, and compatibility with inexpensive welding wire feedstock.
The pre-integrated Alchemist 1 Cell combines Meltio’s LW-DED head with a state-of-the-art FANUC six-axis positioner within a sleek, laser-safe enclosure. Furthermore, the system comes complete with a complimentary Melio Space robotic slicer license, though customers have the flexibility to utilise other slicer technologies as well.
Xavier Fajardo, CEO of Accufacture, remarked, “Our Alchemist 1 Cell marks the culmination of our extensive relationship with Meltio and FANUC, aimed at expanding the horizons of large format metal 3D printing. By offering a standardised, preconfigured solution, we aim to streamline the adoption process for our customers, thereby accelerating innovation across diverse industries.”
Alejandro Nieto, Meltio Engine Product Manager, added, “We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Accufacture through the introduction of Alchemist 1. This solution not only caters to the needs of North American customers but also underscores our shared commitment to efficiency and simplicity in metal Additive Manufacturing.”
“The DED print quality coupled with the FANUC Robot motion allows for Accufacture to combine the best of both companies’ technologies into a complete Class 1 laser package. The Alchemist 1 solution simplifies 3D LW-DED printing so customers can concentrate on production,” Michael Sharpe, Executive Director Sales for Materials Joining, remarked.
