Optomec (www.optomec.com), which has its headquarters in Albuquerque (New Mexico) and is a global supplier of production-grade additive-manufacturing systems for 3-D printed metals, has introduced its LENS 860 Hybrid controlled-atmosphere (CA) system.

This new addition to the LENS series of machine tools has a larger build volume and supports higher laser power than previous models, providing more capabilities for affordable high-quality metal hybrid manufacturing.

The machine, which has an 860 x 600 x 610mm work envelope, is equipped with a hermetically sealed build chamber that maintains oxygen and moisture levels below 10ppm, allowing it to process reactive metals, such as titanium. It can be
configured with closed-loop controls and a 3kW fibre laser, making it suitable for building, repairing or coating mid- to large-size parts.

In addition to the LENS 860 Hybrid CA model, three more configurations are available: the LENS 860 Hybrid open
atmosphere (OA) system for processing non-reactive metals (such as stainless steel, tool steel and Inconel); and two additive-only models (both open and controlled atmosphere).

A key advantage of the LENS Hybrid configuration is the ability to use the milling capability to perform finish
machining on a printed part without re-fixturing or aligning the component on a second machine.

The LENS 860 Hybrid CA system can produce and repair larger parts cost-effectively; it also provides versatility, with the ability to print fine features for thin-wall structures and perform wide-area cladding for wear-coating applications.

Furthermore, Optomec software supports five-axis build strategies that combine additive and subtractive operations in a single tool-path. A range of material ‘starter recipes’ is available to help speed the adoption of this machine. The first customer shipments will take place this year.