Intech Additive Solutions expands its range of large-format metal AM machines
January 18, 2021
Intech Additive Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (Intech), Bangalore, India, has announced the expansion of its range of metal Additive Manufacturing machines with the launch of the iFusion LF series, the company’s large-format range of metal AM machines with a high build rate for cost-effective manufacturing.
The iFusion LF series, developed and built at Intech’s facility in Bangalore, has a range that starts with a single 500 W system and is upgradeable to a quad laser configuration, with 700 W and 1000 W lasers if required. The LF series of machines are said to require the lowest initial investment to procure and install, compared to other similar-sized metal AM machines, along with locally available spares and support.
The company explains that its AM machines are a result of extensive research, development and innovation over a four-year period. The iFusion LF series, integrated with Intech’s software suite, have a build volume of 450 x 450 x 450 mm, and aim to deliver robustness and productivity at a competitive cost per part (CPP).
“Indian companies have a huge interest in 3D Printers that build parts larger than 400 mm,” stated Pradeep Nair, vice president-Hardware Sales, Intech. “All these machines must be imported and are prohibitively expensive. There are other issues like long lead times for support and spares, making Indian companies ultimately settle for the less expensive mid-sized machines. The iFusion LF series amply fills this void.”
He added, “The system supports a wide range of materials like aluminium, titanium, steel, Inconel and Cobalt Chrome addressing the needs of industries such as aerospace, automotive, general engineering, tool & die and medical market segments in India and abroad.”
K.S. Swami, Director, Poeir Jets, commented, “The 3D printed parts from the iFusion series performed exceptionally well during the testing phases and proved to be of production quality. Intech’s 3D printers helped us achieve the required scale for commercialising manufacturing and ensuring lower cost per part. We are now moving to printing parts on Intech’s LF series of machines. The LF’s larger build envelope suits our needs to print parts for our engine and Hybrid Drones. This, coupled with the lower costs compared to imported systems, local spares and support availability among other things, make it an automatic choice for us.”
“The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has identified Additive Manufacturing (AM) as a critical focus area,” noted Sridhar Balaram, CEO of Intech. “The Government plans to promote various AM sector verticals including machines, materials, software, and design methodologies to leverage new and untapped business opportunities. This initiative will prepare the Indian manufacturing sector for Industry 4.0 and evolve an integrated approach towards this emerging technology.”
“Intech’s range of metal 3D printers is indigenously designed and manufactured for both the Indian and global markets. In this regard it is ‘Made in India, Built for the World’ and captures the essence of the Aatmanirbhar initiative of the Indian Government. We have an excellent team in place and are confident of enhancing and growing the Indian AM ecosystem with our range of metal 3D printers, and end-to-end metal AM solutions,” concluded Balaram.
