Meltio’s new M600 blue laser technology 3D printer is something of a gamechanger in the metal 3D-printing ecosystem.
Image of the Meltio M600 printhead. Teflon Coating Machine
Meltio, a leader in 3D printing, has just unveiled its latest next-generation metal 3D printing machine, the M600. The Meltio M600 is a significant advancement in the field, focusing on integrating into industrial manufacturing processes beyond niche applications.
Like most of Meltio‘s product line, the machine is designed from scratch to solve common manufacturing issues. These include but are not limited to, long lead times, high stock-keeping costs, and “fragile” supply chains.
To this end, the Meltio M600 aims to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enable in-house part production for a more resilient manufacturing process.
“The design brief for the new Meltio M600 was to imagine what the perfect 3D printer for the machine shop would look like,” explained Meltio’s Research and Development Director Lukas Hoppe in a press release.
“3D Printing has huge potential to address these issues as it helps reduce lead times and manufacturing dependencies by printing parts in-house, reduces warehouse inventory as the raw material can be transformed into the final part on demand, and reduces costs by applying material only where it is needed,” Hoppe added.
Unlike traditional 3D printing techniques, Meltio’s M600 uses wire-laser metal deposition. Akin to laser welding, this process enables the machine to print simple or complex metal structures easily.
“Our goal with the Meltio M600 was to strike the right balance between machine size, cost, and productivity while uncompromising on quality, reliability, and ease of use,” Hoppe explained.
The M600 utilizes a wire material, which is safer, more cost-effective, and reduces the risk of contamination. This wire is bombarded with high-power lasers in the printhead, enabling incredible precise and controlled metal deposition on the printer’s build platform.
The M600, however, differs from Meltio’s other metal 3D printers in that it adopts cutting-edge blue laser technology. This innovation increases the print speed while simultaneously reducing the energy needed to do the job.
As Meltio explains, this is especially the case for materials that are challenging for infrared lasers, like copper and aluminum alloys.
The use of blue laser technology and wire material not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to reducing the production process’s carbon footprint, aligning with increasing demands for sustainable manufacturing practices.
The M600 design features a spacious (300x400x600mm) and fully inert workspace, enabling the processing of a wide range of materials, such as titanium, copper, aluminum alloys, stainless steels, tool steels, nickel, invar, and Inconel.
The 3D printer also features built-in solutions for work holding and a three-axis touch probe for added versatility.
The design prioritizes autonomous operation with minimal operator interaction, meeting the demands of industrial manufacturing for reliable and continuous production.
Meltio’s M600 is a significant step towards making metal additive manufacturing a feasible and competitive option for various industrial applications.
It improves material handling, production efficiency, and operational integration, opening up opportunities for greater adoption of 3D printing technologies in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, mining, and defense.
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Stranding Machine Christopher McFadden Christopher graduated from Cardiff University in 2004 with a Masters Degree in Geology. Since then, he has worked exclusively within the Built Environment, Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Consultancy industries. He is a qualified and accredited Energy Consultant, Green Deal Assessor and Practitioner member of IEMA. Chris’s main interests range from Science and Engineering, Military and Ancient History to Politics and Philosophy.