10.08.2024
AMFREE, based in Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France, has launched AMFREE One, a large-scale, laser-based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) metal Additive Manufacturing machine using a wire feedstock. Distributed ready to use, the machines have been designed to be integrated into factories alongside conventional processes.
AMFREE One machines were designed to produce and repair a wide range of metal parts, up to several metres in size. They can melt up to 1200 cm3/h of metal (i.e., around 8-10 kg/h of steel and 3-4 kg/h of aluminium.)
Aimed at manufacturers – particularly in the energy, aerospace, defence, industry, and rail industries, and maintenance companies –these hybrids and 4.0 machines are designed produce high-added-value parts right first time. This allows a growing number of manufacturers to use this agility to diversify their activities and conquer new markets, such as repair, while making their own contribution to more efficient use of energy and natural resources.
AMFREE wanted to create easy-to-use machines that are similar in operation to conventional machining equipment. Equipped with the latest-generation Siemens numerical control, traditional machining operators can quickly operate these machines, and thus put their expertise to good use in Additive Manufacturing.
AMFREE One machines are also reported to enable manufacturers to become more autonomous regarding post-processing and improve their reactivity while limiting their dependence on third parties. This is the case, for example, with anti-corrosion or anti-wear coatings, which can be applied during the manufacturing process using the same tools on the same machine.
By localizing production in this way, the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process is diminished.
AMFREE One machines are capable of producing raw parts close to final dimensions or adding functions to existing parts, cutting supply times. They can melt almost any material available in the form of welding wire (steel, stainless steel, aluminium, nickel alloys, copper alloys, etc.), which reduces the complexity of managing suppliers and purchasing upstream and downstream in the chain.
The number of dedicated manufacturing tools is also able to be drastically reduced upon adopting the AMFREE One, as are the storage areas for raw materials and tools. The raw material for the machines comes in the form of spools of welding wire or drums.
AMFREE One machines are also designed to be hybrid. This enables dimensional inspection of parts, surface preparation, production or repair of simple or complex parts and their inspection to be carried out in the same place.