Chicago-based metal 3D printers manufacturer,Sciaky Inc., has joined theAlliance for the Development of Additive Processing Technologies(ADAPT), a Colorado-based industry-academia consortium.
Through this collaboration, the company will further the development of AM and expand the applications of itsElectron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM)systems to the aerospace industry and other manufacturing sectors.
Electron beam melting
Founded in 1939, Sciaky is a subsidiary ofPhillips Service Industries, Inc.(PSI), a manufacturing and repair services company. As such, Sciaky has specialized in the metal industry providing welding, and EBAM systems (since 2009).
EBAM machines of Sciaky use the定向能量沉积(DED) to form an object layer by layer. In DED, a metallic wire feedstock is melted through a focused laser beam. The EBAM uses a beam of electrons instead of a laser to melt the feedstock and create a near-net shape in high-grade metals like titanium alloys, Inconel 718 and 625, and stainless steels (300 series). Parts made with Sciaky systems can be as large as 19 feet.
Currently, Sciaky has four EBAM systems available on the market, EBAM 300, 200, 150, 110. These machines are used by aerospace companies likeFAMAeroandAirbus.
In addition to the provision of metal systems, Sciaky has also been involved in research and development with governmental organizations, institutions and private companies such as theU.S. Department of Defense(DoD),U.S. Air Force,America Makes,Boeing, andConcurrent Technologies Corporation(CTC).
Now, Sciaky will bring its metal expertise to advance additive manufacturing in collaboration with ADAPT partners.
ADAPTing 3D printing
The Alliance for the Development of Additive Processing Technologies was founded byLockheed Martin,Colorado School of MinesandBall Aerospace, among others. It is a partnership between industry and academic institutions to develop AM technology with the help of informatics.
Since its foundation, the group has grown to over fifteen members which includes industry leaders such as,GE Additive,EOS North America,Boeing, andLithoz. Currently, ADAPT is involved in a four-year program with theOffice of Naval ResearchandLockheed Martinto develop real-time quality control systems for 3D printed parts.
Sciaky will contribute to the consortium by developing knowledge of how the process variables affect the microstructural properties of the metal parts in additive manufacturing.
President and CEO of Sciaky, Scott Phillips, said that the company is “pleased to work with the innovators of this higher learning consortium […] We are always striving to break new ground with our EBAM process, as well as capture critical performance data on new applications.”
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Featured image shows a metal part 3D printed by Sciaky. Image via Sciaky.
