Sigma Labs Announces Technology for Low-Cost 3D Metal Printer

By DE Editors

Sigma Labs announced the development of technology to support a low-cost, 3D metal printer based on arc welding technology. As part of this initiative, key strategic alliances have been established, including with respect to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), entered into as of December 20, 2013, by Sigma Labs and Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech). The MOU with Michigan Tech sets forth the parties' intent to collaborate technically in the development of technology for a low-cost, 3D metal printer for near-net shape parts that require only 3- or 5-axis machining to take the parts to final form.

"Michigan Tech has recently developed an open source 3D printer based on gas metal arc welding technology," said Mark Cola, president and CEO of Sigma Labs. "Sigma Labs has a unique knowledge base in advanced sensing and process control for gas metal arc welding. The enabling technology for the contemplated new product would be based on our proprietary and patent-protected PrintRite3D quality control and sensing technologies. Along with strategic partners, we intend to develop, test, and launch a customized, low-cost 3D printing solution for metals like titanium, steel, aluminum, and nickel-based alloys. Our low-cost printing technology is directly focused at servicing the currently untapped market of tens of thousands of users presently dissuaded by the high-cost, barriers to entry of 3D laser powder-bed solutions. Lastly, we have identified manufacturing sources capable of producing our low-cost 3D printing technology."

For more information, visit Sigma Labs.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.