Stated highlights are:
Unique system designed to handle high heat- and crack-prone materials, such as TiAl and nickel Alloy 718 Cost reductions through productivity enhancements. Up to 50% increase in build speed and 39% increase in build volume End-to-end industrialisation – improved power handling, automation and calibration, decreased risk of contamination, reduced operator dependency
Initially, the Arcam EBM Spectra H will support both TiAl and Alloy 718 - additional Ni-super alloys will be supported from 2019. GE Additive‘s materials science team is currently exploring future opportunities for a wider range high heat materials, including nickel superalloys, tungsten, CoCr, stainless steel and metal matrix composites.
The Arcam EBM Spectra H incorporates a range of new features and enhancements to drive down cost by increasing the productivity of the system:
An increased build speed of up to 50%
A 6 kW HV-unit means that all pre- and post-heating steps take half the time compared with current EBM machines Theme improvements will increase the build speed even further Improved heat management through the incorporation of a moveable heat shield to keep heat in the build area Improved layering procedure reduces the need for heating, saving approximately five hours for a full height build A 39% increased build volume
Increased build volume from 200x200x380mm to Ø250x430mm
Auto beam calibration
Arcam xQam automatic calibration technology improves the position and focus accuracy and removes need for manual calibration, reducing the process from three to four hours to 15 minutes This innovation will be incorporated on the Arcam EBM Spectra H and all Qplus systems The project team is currently exploring the potential for future in situ part qualification End-to-End Industrialisation
Reducing dependency on operators and incorporating automation technologies to improve accuracy has been in focus during the development of the Arcam EBM Spectra H.
Improved and automated power handling process
Development of an automated, self-dosing sieve and hopper filling station process. Powder weight is controlled in the PRS and inside the hopper filling station Simplified machine set-up
Automatic powder hoppers. Self-closing when lifted and self-opening when mounted in the machine One powder distribution set up for each material only Calibration of the fetch position only needs to take place during a material change, no longer before machine start Closed powder handling maintains batch integrity and reduces the risk of contamination
The operator is protected from the powder A dust tight environment in all steps of the process maintains powder batch integrity Removal of unwanted particles is handled by a thorough process; a cyclone for small and low-density particles, a sieve for coarse particles and magnetic traps Selection of PRS materials in contact with powder. Protection plates in the blasting cabinet are the same material as the powder “This new system shows our commitment to developing industry-leading additive machines, materials, and services. We remain focused on accelerating innovation across sectors and helping the world work smarter, faster and more efficiently,” said Jason Oliver president and CEO, GE Additive.
