Large-format Metal 3D Printing

Velo3D, a metal 3D printing manufacturing technology company, is increasing the size of its Sapphire family of printers with the Sapphire XC 1MZ. The new printer allows end-users to print parts up to one meter in height. The total build volume is twice that of the Sapphire XC, and nine times larger than the original Sapphire - increasing the possible print size and expanding the addressable use-cases of Velo3D’s end-to-end metal additive manufacturing solution.

The Sapphire XC 1MZ was designed based on feedback from those working in the aerospace, energy, and defense industries. Distributed manufacturing in a larger format is now more approachable thanks to the repeatable, standardized processes and validated material properties introduced by Velo3D. The first systems are expected to be delivered to several aerospace companies as soon as Q3 2022.

The Sapphire XC 1MZ has a build volume of 600 mm x 1,000 mm, and utilizes eight 1-KW lasers. It also features a faster non-contact recoater and an integrated end-to-end manufacturing solution. The printer shows a 400% increase in throughput over the original Sapphire and Sapphire XC printers using the same Intelligent Fusion manufacturing process, according to a press release by Velo3D.

The printer 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.

Velo3D’s 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 multiple machines. This means that as one printer is validated for production use, it’s simple to add additional printers to increase productivity.