Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced the development of a unique 3D printing technology for dot matrix molding. By combining laser, computer numerical control (CNC) and computer-aided manufacturing CAM technology in a 3D printer, high-precision molding is achieved. It is understood that the technology uses a laser line directional energy deposition (DED) method in which focused thermal energy is used to melt the material.
Mitsubishi Electric introduces dot matrix molding technology for high-precision metal 3D printing
The process of DED is similar to the process of material extrusion, but in the DED 3D printing method, nozzles for supplying material particles or wires are mounted on a multi-axis arm. It can move in multiple directions instead of being fixed on a specific axis, and it can supply material to the target surface from any angle. Then, build a 3D model from the bottom up. Control the shape of the 3D model by controlling the print rate and the angle at which metal wires or particles are deposited on the surface.
DED is used to make 3D models of metals and alloys, and is often used to repair and maintain structural parts. This technology produces high-quality 3D prints. Mitsubishi Electric believes that its new technology will increase productivity in a variety of applications, such as "near-net" (near-final) molding and stack repair of aircraft and automotive parts, as well as hollow and overhanging shapes. In addition, the technology can be used in series with parts produced using other manufacturing methods.
It is reported that this new technology uses ordinary and relatively inexpensive laser welding wires. Another benefit provided by the new technology is a significant increase in accuracy, which is a 60% improvement over continuous molding technology. Compared with the conventional technology, the oxidation problem can be reduced by more than 20% because the high temperature region is limited to the narrow spot formation region.
Mitsubishi Electric expects to launch a commercial version of dot matrix molding technology in the fiscal year of March 2021.
It is understood that Mitsubishi Electric will showcase the new technology at the 29th Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF2018) held at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center from November 1, 2018 to November 6, 2018.