A Bold Leap Forward
OMIC R&D recently started the process of moving a LASERTEC 4300 provided by DMG MORI USA into its Additive Innovation Center on January 22nd. The machine is unique to the world of Advanced Manufacturing as it is a Direct Energy Deposition (DED) hybrid, incorporating aspects of both traditional machining and additive manufacturing. The LASERTEC 4300 directly approaches solutions in removing common barriers in additive printing such as weak binding, poor accuracy, or rough surfaces on finished products. This acquisition marks a transformative moment for OMIC R&D, significantly enhancing its capabilities in advanced manufacturing.
“…It’s not just a machine; it’s a catalyst for our work to innovate in the critical space where additive and subtractive technologies meet. We are thrilled about the possibilities this DED Hybrid machine opens up and look forward to collaborating with DMG MORI and our other members in exploring this space.”
The Lasertec 4300: A Fusion of Innovation and Efficiency
– Craig Campbell, Executive Director of OMIC R&D
“The Lasertec 4300 DED Hybrid system from DMG MORI represents the pinnacle of turn-mill additive technology,” explains Lorna Hill, Manager for Product Marketing at DMG MORI. “This machine allows for building up parts and adding material to existing complex geometries in ways that were previously impossible, opening up new avenues in manufacturing design and efficiency.”
Hill highlighted the Lasertec 4300’s groundbreaking capabilities: “One of the most exciting aspects of these DED Hybrid systems is the ability to blend or grade materials, pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in material science and manufacturing.”
Craig Campbell, Executive Director of OMIC R&D, expressed his enthusiasm: “The arrival of the Lasertec 4300 marks a watershed moment for us. It’s not just a machine; it’s a catalyst for our work to innovate in the critical space where additive and subtractive technologies meet. We are thrilled about the possibilities this DED Hybrid machine opens up and look forward to collaborating with DMG MORI and our other members in exploring this space.”
The Lasertec 4300 is known to excel in deploying wear-resistant materials, marking a shift in how industry can approach manufacturing challenges in material science and emphasizing strategic application for optimal performance. Industry currently faces trials such as the need to replace or repair high-value parts normally cost inhibiting, or parts that are no longer available. This is often due to factors like environmental restrictions or changes in the labor market.
Current industry also suffers from gaps between traditional subtractive machining and the advent of additive manufacturing processes. The need to ship parts back and forth to facilities that specialize in either additive or subtractive machining can be inhibiting for the supply chain. The use of additive manufacturing continues to advance throughout various key branches of industry, though its adoption into the supply chain could prove to be a high-cost investment for less established decision makers.
Consolidation of multiple parts and manufacturing processes, as this DED Hybrid represents, provides a potential solution to these challenges that can be immediately implemented in the supply chain. The machine’s capacity for handling graded alloys represents a significant breakthrough, allowing for innovative solutions tailored to specific industrial needs. Bridging the gap between additive and subtractive manufacturing will only strengthen the competencies of industry.
Josh Koch, Business Development Manager for OMIC R&D, is optimistic of how the Lasertec 4300 can be utilized in the immediate region. “Major users of the technology today are space and aerospace companies Many of those companies exist in the PNW, and we hope to work closely with the supply chain to evaluate and de-risk this new hybrid additive equipment.
He continued: “Because of the powder flexibility this machine can be used to eliminate applications where companies are doing canned HIP of powders or repairing parts through welding build up processes.”
The partnership between OMIC R&D and DMG MORI became official in late 2023 when DMG MORI became a Tier 1 member of its research consortium. The collaboration will focus on leading the future of manufacturing using its innovative machining technology, with benefits permeating various industries. Their membership enhances the capabilities of OMIC R&D significantly.
OMIC R&D invites members of the supply chain to learn how the Lasertec 4300 and the expertise of its researchers can benefit their organization. Click here to learn more about how your organization can begin utilizing the DMG MORI Lasertec 4300 today.