Vader Systems announces sale of molten aluminium AM system to Becker
November 9, 2017
Vader’s Mk1 Additive Manufacturing system
Vader Systems, Buffalo, New York, USA, an innovator in liquid metal 3D printing, has announced the first commercial sale of its signature Mk1 3D printer to BECKER CAD-CAM-CAST, a tier one supplier of engineered aluminium automotive components headquartered in Steffenberg-Quotshausen, Germany.
Vader’s patented MagnetoJet technology melts metal wire and uses electromagnetic propulsion to produce on-demand, precision droplets of molten aluminium. The company states that the process allows parts to be formed at unprecedented rates and with reduced operational costs in comparison to powder bed processes. It is also claimed that the liquid metal process also provides safer operation and simplified material sourcing.
Because Vader’s MagnetoJet technology uses standard aluminium wire, the Mk1 delivers a ten-fold decrease in material costs. MagnetoJet also produces a dense part without the need for lengthy post-processing. Vader currently prints with 4043 aluminium, while 6061 and 7075 aluminium alloys, copper, and bronze are under development.
Zachary Vader, Chief Innovation Officer and Co-founder of Vader Systems, is also the inventor of MagnetoJet. Vader stated, “An important part of my vision in developing this technology was to impact the automotive industry. I’m thrilled that a company of Becker’s caliber has recognised this potential and is choosing to integrate the Mk1 into their manufacturing process.”
Scott Vader, President and Co-founder, added, “We are excited that our liquid metal 3D printing process will be used to enhance the exceptional value Becker already delivers to its customers, and we look forward to a long and productive collaboration with the Becker team.”
According to Becker’s CEO Michael Becker, “Vader’s printing technology is a game changer for cost-effective, low-volume production of aluminium components. It aligns with our goal to deliver shorter lead times and higher performance for our customers.”
Becker will begin to integrate the Mk1 system into its manufacturing process at the company’s new Wixom, Michigan, plant in the first quarter of 2018, with plans to add a second system at their Germany headquarters in late 2018.
Vader’s team will share more about their MagnetoJet technology at both the Becker (3.0-A44) and Siemens booths (3.0-E68) at the formnext Tradeshow in Frankfurt, Germany, from November 14-17.
