Air Force Institute of Technology Welcomes Metal 3D Printing with Acquisition of Concept Laser M2 Cusing Machine http://ift.tt/2nxl2cf The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is no newcomer to 3D printing; the school has been using the technology to build polymer prototypes for more than three decades. This month, however, AFIT decided to take a big step forward into metal additive manufacturing. The institute’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management recently acquired a Concept Laser M2 metal 3D printer – a huge investment that shows that AFIT isn’t messing around; the school is serious about implementing metal 3D printing. AFIT’s acquisition of the M2 comes shortly after the US Naval Research Laboratory purchased one – another sign of the military’s increasing use of additive manufacturing technology across branches. The M2 isn’t an inexpensive machine; it’s close to a million dollars, so investing in one is no snap decision. According to Major Ryan O’Hara, assistant professor at the Graduate School of Engineering and Management and AFIT’s additive manufacturing lead, they chose the M2 because, compared to other printers, it requires minimal handling of the metal powder.
AFIT plans to use the M2 to advance the production and use of three major aerospace metals: titanium, aluminum and inconel. It will position the school as an expert resource for the Air Force to consult on the implementation of additively manufactured metal components for flight-critical and aerospace applications.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is also home to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which has been conducting in-depth research and work with additive manufacturing for aerospace and other applications. AFIT’s investment in metal additive manufacturing only strengthens the site as a hub for advanced manufacturing research and development. Until now, AFIT had to outsource any of the metal parts it needed for its multiple areas of additive manufacturing-related research.
The M2 offers a large build area of 250 x 250 x 280 mm, with a layer resolution of 20 to 80 micrometers, making it well-suited to the Air Force’s research areas, many of which involve lattice structures. Dr. Eric Swenson, associate professor, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, is excited about the overall design freedom that the machine will allow students and professors.
Printing via 3DPrint.com https://3dprint.com March 28, 2017 at 06:16AM
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