Editor's Pick: Arcam Unveils New 3D Printers

Dear DE Reader:

3D printers are cool and, arguably, the hottest of the lot make metal components. Today’s Pick of the Week takes a peek at a pair of new 3D metal printers.

Arcam recently announced its new Arcam Q10plus and the Arcam Q20plus metal 3D printers. Actually successors to earlier models, these new units have been enhanced with new technologies such as an X-ray based technology for high-precision auto-calibration and all new control software. Both have been optimized for handling metal powders efficiently, and their software is ready for volume production. So turn-around times in a hectic production environment should be fast.

Arcam's 3D additive manufacturing process uses EBM (electron beam melting) technology to melt metal powders and build up parts layer-by-layer. It's a nifty process. It occurs in a controlled vacuum and uses deflection lens technology to maintain several melt pools simultaneously, making them precise and quick. A camera-based monitoring system helps you verify inline part quality.

Arcam says that the parts you get have material properties better than cast and comparable to wrought materials. The supply chain for Arcam's standard metal powders — Cobalt-Chrome ASTM F75, Inconel 718 and three types of Titanium — is validated, and each batch of powder is fully traceable, which is a big deal. See, the Arcam Q10plus is designed for making orthopedic implants while the Arcam Q20plus is tuned for making aerospace components like turbine blades.

Among the notable features of the Arcam Q10plus is that it can make high-volume press-fit implants with advanced Tribecular Structures of engineered porous materials. It builds an implant’s solid and porous sections in one step, eliminating pricey secondary processes while ensuring structural continuity between the sections. Its maximum build size is 7.88x7.88x7 in.

The Arcam Q20plus has much the same features as the Q10plus such as the inline part quality verification and auto-calibration. But it has a much bigger build envelope – 13.77x14.96 in., so you can make large parts like structural airframe components. You can also stack smaller components in that chamber.

You can learn more about the Arcam Q10plus and the Arcam Q20plus metal 3D printers from today's Pick of the Week write-up. Make sure to download the brochure linked at the end of the account. It has a terrific introduction to Arcam's EBM technology in addition to covering the product line-up.

Thanks, Pal. – Lockwood

Anthony J. Lockwood

Editor at Large, DE