Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is releasing two models of the new AZ600 digital wire-laser metal 3D printer on March 1st. The new systems work by melting welding wire, instead of powder, with a laser beam to create high-quality 3D structures. These products build on the initial introduction by Mitsubishi Electric of a unique, proprietary dot forming AM technology back in 2018.
The systems also present this digital additive-manufacturing technology combined with simultaneous 5-axis spatial control and coordinated control of machining conditions, to deliver stable, high-quality 3D printing. Furthermore, the company’s goal is to contribute to manufacturing in a decarbonized era by reducing energy consumption, saving resources by shortening of processing time and using highly efficient production methods such as ‘near-net-shape’, and supporting the build-up of repairs for the maintenance of specialist parts for automobiles, ships and aircraft.
In recent years, the growing need to reduce CO2 emissions in the metalworking manufacturing industry has stimulated an increase in demand for more efficient metalworking methods that reduce energy consumption and conserve finite natural resources. In particular, demand is expected to grow for metal 3D printers, which create objects from 3D shape data. This has the advantages of significantly shortening the conventional manufacturing process, reducing waste materials in the manufacturing process, and improving design flexibility by making it easier to integrate multiple parts and reduce weight. On the other hand, metal 3D printers that use powder-based feedstock have issues with material management, workability and safety, and a new additive manufacturing process has been required.
To solve the problems encountered with powder-based printers, Mitsubishi Electric is now launching the AZ600, a world’s first* wire-laser metal 3D printer that combines simultaneous 5-axis spatial control and digital additive-manufacturing technology that precisely and cooperatively controls processing conditions. This product realizes high-quality, high-precision 3D printing and contributes to manufacturing that considers its environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and waste.
The AZ600 will be exhibited at the Additive Manufacturing Expo from March 16-18 at Tokyo Big Sight.
