Closed-Loop Control for Metal 3D Printing

June 19, 2016

Ryan Gehm

Sciaky, Inc., a subsidiary of Phillips Service Industries, Inc., is highlighting its patented IRISS closed-loop control, which powers its Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM) systems. IRISS, which stands for Interlayer Real-time Imaging & Sensing System, provides consistent process control for part geometry, mechanical properties, microstructure and metal chemistry for large-scale 3D printed parts. The technology, exclusive to Sciaky EBAM systems, monitors the metal deposition process in real time and makes adjustments to the process parameters that compensate for variation throughout the build process. EBAM systems utilize wire feedstock, which is available in a variety of metals such as titanium, tantalum, niobium, tungsten, molybdenum, Inconel, aluminum, stainless steels, nickel alloys and more. Widely scalable in terms of work envelope, the EBAM systems can produce parts ranging from 8 in (203 mm) to 19 ft (5.8 m) in length, but can also manufacture smaller and larger parts, depending on the application. EBAM is also the fastest deposition process in the metal additive manufacturing market, the company claims, with gross deposition rates ranging from 7 to 20 lb (3.2 to 9.1 kg) of metal per hour. With a dual wirefeed option, two different metal alloys can be combined into a single melt pool to create "custom alloy" parts or ingots. For more information, visit www.sciaky.com .