Mitsubishi Electric has developed Directed Energy Deposition (DED) 3D printing and die casting will be commercialized in 2021. The equipment uses a method of directly supplying metal wires to the laser irradiation department and modeling, and integrates laser processing machines and other technologies. We asked the AM system project team manager Shuichi Fujikawa for related functions.
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| Titanium machining time is shortened by 70%. Mitsubishi Electric's 3D printer is amazing |
1. Why use metal wire as the material?
"Our company is a latecomer in the field of 3D printers. At present, the equipment using powder materials is already available, but the cost and management issues are facing challenges. By adopting the metal wire type, the material utilization rate has been greatly improved, and the material is reduced. Price. In addition, in addition to advantages in management and safety, it can also achieve no material splash and clear modeling."
2. How is it different from the line equipment produced by other companies?
"We are developing all basic technologies internally, such as laser, wire feed control and numerical control (NC). Especially the 5-axis and laser output synchronous cnc operating of the mechanical system that drives the laser and materials, and the control of fine and coarse wire feeds. A total of 8 axes can be controlled. Only our company can develop an NC device that can even achieve this."
3. What is your goal?
"The advantage of the DED method is that it can cut hard materials such as titanium into products. It is processed by a 3D printer to a state close to the finished product (near net shape), and then completed by cutting. Compared with the case of cutting only , The processing time can be shortened by 5 to 70%, and the waste of materials can also be saved."
4. Compared with Europe and America, is there any progress in the use of 3D printers in Japan?
"Although Europe and the United States tend to consider what can be done with 3D printers, Japan has moved in from the idea of replacing traditional methods and is worried about its impact on design and quality. However, it is reasonable to be close to the final shape. Therefore, if Its advantages are recognized, and it will definitely become popular."
