AMCM launches M 8K with eight lasers for large-format PBF-LB
The American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation (ACMI), based in Austin, Texas, was the first organisation worldwide to acquire the AMCM M 8K machine. This enables its supply chain partners and customers to manufacture large-volume components on a platform based on established technology, enhanced by new features such as AirSword gas flow technology, Dynamic Scan Fields and advanced beam shaping solutions.
The AMCM M 8K, developed by AMCM, the customisation specialist of EOS, is engineered specifically for high-end aerospace and defence applications. At its core, the DNA of the M 8K combines an expansive build volume of 800 × 800 × 1,200 mm with uncompromising precision, setting a new standard for ultra-large Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) production.
The AMCM M 8K is powered by eight 1.2 kW nLIGHT lasers, advanced optical systems, and state-of-the-art thermal management. Its cooling architecture and optimised process gas flow are intended to support consistent part quality, including when processing demanding materials such as copper alloys. Designed for both scalability and performance, the machine enables the efficient production of complex, mission-critical components including rocket engines and missile structures.
The machine can move up to four tons of powder along the Z-axis while maintaining accuracy. Eight lasers operate simultaneously across the powder bed with the same high level of precision, enabling the creation of highly intricate structures even in the largest and most demanding components.
Scaling PBF-LB technology to build volumes of one metre and beyond has long posed challenges, particularly in maintaining consistent gas flow and part quality. While alternative Additive Manufacturing methods such as Directed Energy Deposition (DED) offer large build sizes, they often do so at the expense of precision.
AMCM’s AirSword is designed specifically to address the airflow challenges of ultra-large PBF-LB builds, implemented in the AMCM M 8K and the upcoming M 10K. It ensures uniform, multi-layered gas flow across the entire building area, reduces laser-smoke interaction for clean and reliable processing, protects optics and laser paths during long-duration jobs, and reduces maintenance requirements while increasing system uptime for high-volume production.
Georg Fey, Team Manager Application & Innovation at AMCM, shared, “The AirSword technology allows AMCM to retain the proven fixed-scanner approach, delivering unmatched speed and quality without the added complexity of moving optics.”
The AMCM M 8K is powered by EOSPrint, featuring the new Dynamic Scan Fields capability that makes a decisive difference in large-format builds. Large overlap areas introduce unique challenges, and optimal results depend on selecting how each part is exposed. EOSPrint brings all strategies onto a single platform, giving users full freedom of choice.
Dynamic Scan Fields enable fully automated, layer-dependent optimisation in which scan fields adapt dynamically, and lasers work cooperatively rather than in rigid segments, maximising productivity. For applications requiring predictability and control, options without overlapping or with controlled overlap allow transparent, layer-by-layer collaboration between lasers. Full-field overlap removes rigid quadrant logic entirely, intelligently balancing unevenly populated areas for uniform exposure. Fixed segmentation supports multipart jobs where reproducibility and maximum control are paramount.
Not every process requires full automation, and EOSPrint reflects this reality by supporting all exposure strategies in a flexible, user-driven environment.
John Burer, Founder and CEO of ACMI Group, commented, “With the acquisition of the M 8K, we are providing a world-class capability to our stakeholders that will enable U.S. manufacturers to develop new production strategies, accelerate innovation, and scale more efficiently.”
Felix Bauer, Director of Sales at AMCM, added, “With the acquisition of an AMCM M 290 and the AMCM M 8K, both with nLIGHT technology, in combination ACMI and their customers can utilise a fast-track approach with the same optical set-up and accelerated development timelines. In addition, ACMI benefits from US-based EOS Additive Minds support, for example in process development.”
