Sciaky to Sell Additive Manufacturing Systems
Sciaky, Inc. (Chicago, IL), a subsidiary of Phillips Service Industries (PSI; Livonia, MI) and providers of additive manufacturing solutions for large-scale, high-value metal parts, has announced that it will be offering its groundbreaking electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM) systems for purchase, with accelerated delivery opportunities available as early as September 1 of this year.
The company has predominantly offered its exclusive additive manufacturing process as a service-only option to manufacturers who required assistance to produce large-scale prototypes and production parts, up to 19 ft in length, made of high-value metals like titanium, tantalum, stainless steel, and Inconel. The technology has been a key driver of several high profile researches and development (R&D) projects involving the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin, DARPA and Boeing.
The EBAM process, which has been marketed as Direct Manufacturing (DM), combines computer-aided design (CAD), electron beam welding technology and layer-additive processing. Starting with a 3D model from a CAD program, a fully-articulated, moving electron beam welding gun deposits metal (via wire feedstock), layer by layer, until the part reaches near-net shape. From there, the near-net shape part requires minor post-production machining.
Deposition rates of the EBAM process range from 7 lb/hr to 20 lb/hr, depending upon part geometry and the material selected.
The build envelope can reach up to 19 ft by 4 ft by 4 ft (L by W by H), allowing manufacturers to produce very large parts and structures, with virtually no waste. As a result, manufacturers can drastically reduce material costs, lead times and machining time, when compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
“Manufacturers, for the first time, will be able to utilize our revolutionary additive manufacturing technology to produce production parts and prototypes in their own facility,” said Mike Riesen, the general manager of Sciaky. “The possibilities are endless.”
