Optomec Announces New LENS MR-7 System to Accelerate Development of Novel Alloys and Metallic Devices

Optomec is introducing a new LENS (Laser Engineered Net Shaping) system for material research and product development applications.

The LENS MR-7 is built on the foundation of proven LENS technology with special new features specifically designed to accelerate development of new alloys and metallic devices. LENS technology uses energy from a high-power fiber laser to build up structures one layer at a time directly from powdered metals, alloys, ceramics or composites.

The resulting fully functional three-dimensional components have mechanical properties that can be equivalent or even superior to wrought materials. LENS systems are installed today around the world and are being used for a wide range of additive manufacturing applications including the repair of high value metal aerospace and industrial gas turbine components, adding wear surfaces to biomedical devices, hybrid manufacturing, rapid prototyping of fully functional components, and more.

The LENS MR-7 system offers a 300mm cubed work envelope, making it ideal for the manufacture of test pieces and smaller components. An enhanced dual powder feeder system allows gradient materials to be made – every layer can have a different chemistry. This enables different material chemistries to be produced and analyzed in a single sample thereby speeding the development process. The new powder feeders are also designed to handle irregular powders.

The LENS MR-7 also includes an integrated thermal imaging sensor enabling the researcher to gather data to establish process – microstructure – property relationships. This means that the researcher can quickly compare actual results to simulations and then iterate the design accordingly. And the LENS MR-7 process is conducted in a hermetically sealed chamber purged with argon to ensure the highest purity and material properties.