At Formnext 2023, ADDiTEC debuted its Liquid Metal Jetting technology following the acquisition of Elem Additive from Xerox earlier in the year. The new Hybrid 3 system, launched at the show, includes Laser Directed Energy Deposition and CNC machining.
TCT visited the ADDiTEC booth to examine the technology more closely during the event. 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 Laser Directed Energy Deposition technology, which provides high deposition rates.
Manoharan mentioned that combining these two technologies offers two key advantages: a geometric advantage and surface finishing capabilities. With Laser Directed Energy Deposition, high-deposition infills can be achieved with laser wire DED and high-resolution perimeters with liquid metal jetting. Additionally, CNC operation can be used for surface finishing.