At Formnext 2023, ADDiTEC made its debut, showcasing its innovative Liquid Metal Jetting technology following the acquisition of Elem Additive from Xerox earlier in the year. The technology utilizes a drop-on-demand liquid metal printing process and is featured in the company’s new Hybrid 3 system, which was launched at the show. This system also includes Laser Directed Energy Deposition technology and CNC machining.
TCT visited ADDiTEC’s booth during the event to examine the technology more closely. Sriram Manoharan, R&D Program Manager at ADDiTEC, explained that the Liquid Metal Jetting process involves welding wire into a crucible with an induction heating mechanism to melt the wire. Electromagnetic forces then generate a pulse, which produces droplets. This process offers the advantage of high-resolution parts. He also discussed the benefits of the Laser Directed Energy Deposition technology, which provides high deposition rates.
Manoharan mentioned that combining these two technologies offers two key advantages. First, it provides a geometric advantage, allowing for high-deposition infills with the laser wire DED and high-resolution perimeters with the liquid metal jetting. Additionally, a CNC operation can be used for surface finishing.