Velo3D Releases Sapphire XC 1MZ for Large-format Metal 3D Printing

Velo3D, Inc. launches a new addition to its Sapphire family of printers with the Sapphire XC 1MZ. The new printer allows customers to print parts 1 meter in height—with a total build volume that is twice that of the Sapphire XC and nine times larger than the original Sapphire.

Sapphire XC 1MZ offers metal additive manufacturing technology with a large laser powder bed fusion print volume. The Sapphire XC 1 MZ system combines Velo3D’s geometric capabilities with the repeatable, standardized processes and validated material properties necessary to achieve distributed manufacturing in a larger format. The Sapphire XC 1MZ was designed based on feedback from customers in the aerospace, energy and defense industries, with the first systems expected to be delivered to several aerospace companies in late Q3 2022.

“Without advanced metal additive manufacturing it would be difficult to impossible to build many of the technologies that are shaping the future of our world,” says Benny Buller, Velo3D CEO and founder. “Our innovative customers have a clear understanding of how the technology can unlock new capabilities for their businesses and transform their product offerings.”

Features of the Sapphire XC 1MZ include:

• large build volume for a laser powder bed fusion printer in its class—600x1,000 mm—nine times larger than the original Sapphire;
• eight 1-kilowatt lasers;
• integrated, end-to-end manufacturing solution including Flow print preparation software and Assure quality assurance software;
• Intelligent Fusion manufacturing process that has been proven in production on Sapphire and Sapphire XC for consistent, repeatable results across different printers;
• faster non-contact recoater to decrease the time required between build layers; and
• increased throughput of up to 400% over the original Sapphire and Sapphire 1MZ printers

The Sapphire XC 1MZ will be available in all the materials currently offered by Velo3D, including Aluminum F357, Amperprint 0233 Haynes 282, GRCop-42, Hastelloy C22, Hastelloy X, Inconel 625, Inconel 718, Scalmalloy, and Titanium 6AI-4V Grade 5.

The Sapphire family of printers is comprised of four system variations that are fully compatible with one another, running the same processes across all printers in a way that delivers consistent results on any machine. This means that as customers validate one printer for production use, it is simple to add additional printers to increase productivity.

The original Sapphire printer is capable of printing parts that are 315 mm in diameter and 400 mm in height. The Sapphire 1MZ prints at 315 mm in diameter and 1 meter in height. The Sapphire XC, which began shipping in Q4 2022, has a build volume of 600 mm in diameter by 550 in height.

To learn more about the Sapphire XC 1MZ, visit the Velo3D blog or download the data sheet.

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