The new Alchemist 1 Cell

Spanish company Meltio, a leading manufacturer of wire-laser metal deposition systems, has partnered with Accufacture and Fanuc America to introduce Alchemist 1, an innovative all-in-one additive manufacturing (AM) robotic workcell made in the USA. Engineered for seamless integration and rapid deployment, the company says it is poised to revolutionise metal AM in the manufacturing industry.

Powered by Meltio’s cutting-edge Wire-Laser Metal Deposition (W-LMD) technology, Alchemist 1 delivers cost-effective production of large, fully dense metal parts, catering to the needs of automotive, aerospace, mining, oil and gas, and various other sectors. Boasting an array of key features, including a deposition rate of up to 1kg/hr, a spacious build volume of 3.2 x 6.5 x 3.2ft, and compatibility with inexpensive welding wire feedstock, Alchemist 1 ensures both superior performance and affordability.

The pre-integrated Alchemist 1 Cell made in the USA seamlessly combines Meltio’s LW-DED (Directed Energy Deposition) head with a ‘state of the art’ Fanuc six-axis robot and two-axis positioner within a sleek, laser-safe enclosure. Furthermore, the system comes complete with a complimentary Meltio Space robotic slicer license, though customers have the flexibility to utilise other slicer technologies as well.

Accelerating innovation
CEO of Accufacture CEO Xavier Fajardo said: “Our Alchemist 1 Cell marks the culmination of our partnership with Meltio and Fanuc, aimed at expanding the horizons of large format metal 3-D printing. By offering a standardised, preconfigured solution, we aim to streamline the adoption process for our customers, thereby accelerating innovation across a wide range of industries.”

Alejandro Nieto, Meltio engine product manager, added: “We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Accufacture through the introduction of Alchemist 1. This solution not only caters to the needs of North American customers but also underscores our shared commitment to efficiency and simplicity in metal AM.”

Michael Sharpe, executive director of sales for materials joining at Fanuc America, concluded: “The DED print quality coupled with the Fanuc Robot motion allows for Accufacture to combine the best of both companies’ technologies into a complete Class One laser package. The Alchemist 1 solution simplifies 3-D LW-DED printing so customers can concentrate on production.”