Optomec’s starter recipes help speed implementation of Additive Manufacturing solutions
August 23, 2017
LENS 3D metal printers can be used to effectively repair, rework and manufacture high-performance metal components in materials such as titanium, stainless steel, and super alloys
Optomec, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, has introduced a number of ‘starter recipes’ to help its customers speed the implementation of Additive Manufacturing solutions. Developed by Optomec’s application experts, these recipes will help Optomec LENS and Aerosol Jet customers select and process proven materials best suited to meet their functional, performance and geometric requirements.
“These proven, pre-qualified recipes save weeks of trial and error while also enabling customers to fully leverage the advanced features of our printers to produce quality results,” stated Ken Vartanian, VP Marketing at Optomec. “Over the years, we have screened hundreds of materials from a variety of suppliers, and now want to make this knowledge available to our customers. These printing recipes represent an important first step in our strategy to provide digital products that facilitate Additive Manufacturing capabilities from design through volume manufacturing.”
LENS metal printing starter recipes
LENS Material Starter Recipes have been developed by Optomec LENS application engineers and material scientists to help customers achieve optimal use of metal AM with LENS. According to Optomec, each recipe provides detailed instructions covering powder feedstock characteristics, machine set-up and processing parameters, including laser power, powder feed rates and print speed, for a variety of commercially-available powders, including materials such as stainless steel, titanium, Inconel and tool steel.
Geometry-specific recipes are available which are optimised for thin-wall, small-volume and large-volume structures. Data regarding expected results is provided, with samples produced by each recipe having been tested for mechanical performance by an independent lab in accordance with ATM standards.
Aerosol Jet electronics printing starter recipes
For Aerosol Jet customers, material selection and optimisation for specific applications can be a critical success factor, stated Optomec. Aerosol Jet Starter Recipes will include information regarding ink types, substrate preparation, process set-up and print parameters.
In addition, each recipe will include expected print results including line width, thickness and electrical, mechanical and environmental performance characteristics. Aerosol Jet Starter Recipes are available for conductive materials including multiple silver, copper and resistive inks as well as dielectric and adhesive materials, such as dymax, loctite, PEDOT and polyimide.
