One Off Robotics and Meltio introduce turn-key metal Additive Manufacturing cell
February 15, 2024
Meltio, headquartered in Linares, Spain, has collaborated with One Off Robotics, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, to introduce the One Off Robotics Cell, a metal Additive Manufacturing work cell designed for a faster, more efficient, and reliable part production.
The One Off Robotics Cell is a robotic metal Additive Manufacturing powered by Meltio’s wire-based laser Directed Energy Deposition (DED) process – which the company refers to as Laser Metal Deposition (LMD). The system produces cost-effective, finely manufactured metal parts for applications in various industries including automotive, aerospace, mining, oil and gas, and many others.
With a deposition rate of up to 1 kg an hour, the machine is intended to manufacture clean, fully dense, and mechanically equivalent or superior parts compared to those created from traditional means. Its 8-axis system simplifies complex geometry manufacturing and is configured to work with the Meltio Space robotic slicer, as well as other robotic additive software.
The new One Off Robotics Cell, powered by Meltio, uses standard welding wire. The robot and positioner are installed on a self-supporting platform inside a custom, laser-safe enclosure, which ensures safe operation and quick installation. The system package includes the robot, wire laser metal deposition machine, two-axis positioner, vision laser alignment tool, welding camera, and safety enclosure. Package add-ons are available for the thermal SWIR camera, multi-material dual wire manufacturing, and hot wire manufacturing for increased speed. Meltio and One Off Robotics will also provide system training and instructional materials upon delivery to ensure unparalleled technical support for end users in any industry.
Meltio Engine Product Manager, Alejandro Nieto, shared, “Meltio’s main commitment with this new product offering with the One Off Robotics Cell powered by Meltio, Made in the USA is to offer all types of industries the ability to manage the entire manufacturing process using our metal 3D printing technology consisting of a Meltio head integrated into a robotic arm and a safe environment, to just produce parts. This new hardware system allows the customer to receive a ready-to-use cell for robotic metal 3D printing, removing the integration process and long assembly lead times.”
Nick Johnson, CEO of One Off Robotics added, “One Off Robotics has spent years designing and building large-format robotic additive manufacturing work cells. We’re thrilled to expand our offerings to include a turnkey Meltio Robotic additive system. Our focus is customer success, so we designed this system from the ground up to be quickly installed and easily operated.”
The One Off Robotics Cell is an evolution of Meltio’s standard Engine Robot Integration and is certified to operate with KUKA and ABB robotic arms. The new system serves as an advanced, yet user-friendly system designed to empower industries across the world to incorporate Meltio’s metal Additive Manufacturing technology.