Farsoon launches FS721M metal Additive Manufacturing machine with eight-laser option
May 27, 2021
Farsoon Technologies, headquartered in Changsha, Hunan, China, has launched the FS721M multi-laser metal Additive Manufacturing machine at this year’s TCT Asia exhibition, May 26–28, Shanghai, China. Available with eight 1000 W lasers (FS721M-8) or with either two or four 500 W lasers, the platform offers a build volume of 720 x 420 x 420 mm and is suitable for high-volume series production.
“Although the FS721M is the latest addition to Farsoon’s metal machine portfolio, the FS721M actually grew out of an in-house development project dating back to 2017,” stated Don Xu, Director of Farsoon Global Business Group and Managing Director of Farsoon Americas Corp., “We’ve spent the past three years testing and optimising multi-laser large-format metal system through continuous operation and development; meanwhile the machine was opened to partners in China for specialised projects in search of suitable industrial applications. Starting two years ago we have seen increasing demands from industrial customers who are looking to adopt this system for scaled-up metal production. This is when we decided to take the next step to fully commercialise the FS721M system, offering as an accessible yet highly productive tool that is unique to the market.”
Farsoon has designed the FS721M to incorporate high performance, fully digital optics for controlling its lasers. The three-axis optics allow for the development of advanced algorithmic controls and customised scanning strategies. These advanced controls allow the FS721M to achieve uniform performance from one laser to the next in multi-laser overlap zones, resulting in parts which have homogenous properties across the build platform.
The FS721M also features continuous powder feeding, optimised gas flow and a long-lasting integrated filter module, which are said to help create a stable and uninterrupted build process further enhancing the melting process of metal powders.
Powered by Farsoon’s Makestar software package, build process controls allow for real-time monitoring of the build environment including laser power, air flow, temperature, humidity and many other variables. In addition, each FS721M is equipped with in-chamber cameras which are used to monitor and record each layer. Besides logging the layer-to-layer data, the cameras also enable Farsoon’s real-time recoat monitoring feature. This feature records and analyses each recoat layer in real time, if a short feed or build error is detected the software will automatically recoat or pause the build to ensure build quality.
Another feature, said to greatly enhance the user experience, is the integrated breakout station attached to the FS721M. When the FS721M completes a build, the full build cartridge is transferred through an internal conveyer system to the breakout station. This fully enclosed work station allows for the safe and clean removal of powder from a completed build without the user needing to come in contact with the powder.
