Commercial drone innovator
Heliguy has recently worked with
AM Solutions — a leading additive manufacturing (AM) post-processing solution provider — to optimise various parts of its product range. Heliguy has a suite of additive manufacturing equipment at its production facilities and is using an AM Solutions’ M1 Basic post-processing machine to enhance the surface of AM parts, which in turn improves component performance and aesthetic quality.
Colin Spellacy, AM Solutions’ UK head of sales, said: “AM Solutions, which is part of the
Rösler Group, has been working at the forefront of surface finishing for 80 years. Recently, we have applied this expertise to the field of AM, which has its own unique set of requirements when it comes to post-processing. Many companies planning to use AM as a production technology are unaware of the fact that post-processing can account for some 50-60% of the cost of a finished AM part or component.
“As such, the use of efficient, automated post-processing technologies is vital. We are delighted to see how our M1 Basic machine has become such an integral asset in the Heliguy lab.”
Ross Embleton, Heliguy’s lead product designer, said: “AM Solutions’ M1 Basic machine not only enhances the surface of our 3-D printed parts but also helps in the development of innovative drone solutions. The M1 Basic is refining the parts we have made using the AM process, providing better-looking better-quality commercial-grade end-use products. Smoothing and polishing parts also enables us to create a perfect surface for the application of paints or dyes, which is another important element of improving the aesthetics — all while keeping our manufacturing in-house.”
Mr Spellacy added: “In the area of post-processing for AM parts, AM Solutions’ 3-D post-processing technology provides a range of processes and machines that are all focused on elevating post-processing from a necessary evil to an enabling technology. By automating the post-processing of AM parts, we are helping to overcome the sometimes, slow, costly, and disconnected AM process chain, and thereby ensure that AM is an efficient and viable production alternative to legacy manufacturing technologies.”