Mitsubishi wants to 3D print with the use of metal and plastics

The two Mitsubishi divisions, Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Chemical, have announced their entry into the 3D printing market. The first team has announced work on a new metal additive manufacturing (AM) process, while the second team intends to introduce a series of materials.

Described as “dot forming technology”, the AM platform combines laser with CNC and CAM technologies. To print metal parts, a directed energy deposition process uses a laser beam to braid the metal wire as it is deposited. The company says this method eliminates the risk of deficiencies found with traditional methods. Thanks to him, it is possible to make dense metal objects.

The company’s technology is geared towards the production of near-network parts for applications in the aerospace and automotive industries. The system is based on a pulsed laser and minimizes heat input, similar to some CNC technologies. It also allows more time for the metal to cool after the wire has melted. Additionally, the metal wire, the shielding gas supply, and the location of the deposition can all be controlled simultaneously, resulting in 60 percent greater geometric accuracy.

At the next convention, Mitsubishi Chemical Group will be showcasing a wide range of new materials. The exhibition is to be divided into several different areas: fused deposition modeling (FDM), water-soluble materials, durable materials. The company’s representatives also intend to talk about the cooperation that will be established in the near future.

[Źródło: engineering.com; grafika: Mitsubishi]

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