Optomec, a leading global supplier of production grade additive manufacturing solutions, showcased the AM industry’s first and only currently available atmosphere controlled LENS Hybrid System for additive and subtractive processing of metals, including titanium and aluminum. LENS technology is Optomec’s own version of laser metal deposition (LMD) technology, also known as directed energy deposition or – if used in conjunction with a subtractive CNC tool – hybrid manufacturing. In addition, Optomec highlighted its 5 axis Aerosol Jet technology for printed electronics including a display of sample parts demonstrating conformal sensors, antenna, and 3D interconnects for semiconductor packaging.

During the AMUG conference in St. Louis, the company is also is offering a variety of opportunities to learn about the latest breakthroughs in 3D printed metals and printed electronics and to interact with technology experts, users and partners. On Tuesday, April 10, at 3:30 p.m the company will host the talk titled “The Quiet Transition to Additive Manufacturing in Series Production” by Ken Vartanian, Optomec VP of Marketing. In this presentation Ken will discuss a variety of less well known AM applications currently used in production for consumer electronics, structural health monitoring, and repair/remanufacturing. On Wednesday, April 11, at 3:15 p.m. Lucas Brewer, Optomec LENS Applications Manager will speak on “Powder Bed Fusion vs. Directed Energy Deposition: A Case Study in Speed”. In this presentation, Lucas will compare capabilities of Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and LENS Directed Energy Deposition (DED), where they each apply best, and results from an independent benchmark study comparing performance and cost for these two metal 3D printing technologies. On Thursday, April 12, at 3:30 p.m. Bryan Germann, Optomec Aerosol Jet Product Manager will discuss “Functionalizing Structures via Aerosol Jet 3D Printed Electronics”. In this presentation he will discuss how Aerosol Jet technology is utilized in high volume consumer electronics applications, structural health monitor, and 3D semiconductor packaging.

Optomec LENS 3D hybrid technology combines a rugged CNC automation platform with industry-proven LENS technology, lowering acquisition cost to bring metal additive manufacturing capabilities to a broader market. This LENS product line includes four models each designed to reduce manufacturing process times and costs while enabling improved end product performance. The additive only, open atmosphere model with a build envelope of 500x300x500 mm has an entry price of around $300,000. Optomec’s patented Aerosol Jet Systems for printed electronics and LENS 3D Printers for metal components are used by industry to reduce product cost and improve performance. Together, these unique printing solutions work with the broadest spectrum of functional materials, ranging from electronic inks to structural metals and even biological matter. Optomec has sold more than 300 systems to more than 200 marquee customers around the world, targeting production applications in the Electronics, Energy, Life Sciences and Aerospace industries.