Optomec Proprietary Vision System, AutoCLAD, Integrates with Hybrid Additive Manufacturing

November 27, 2019 by Bridget O'Neal 3D Printing

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Optomec, headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has just announced the release of AutoCLAD, a proprietary vision system that is also part of the traditional LENS metal 3D printer family. This system can be integrated into hybrid additive manufacturing setups.

Originally created for the Huffman brand (now owned by Optomec), AutoCLAD allows users to create a custom toolpath for necessary parts before they are processed. So far, the innovative vision and software system has been used by major industrial manufacturers, and services, for applications in aerospace and energy.

AutoCLAD allows manufacturers to replace parts that were worn out or damaged by use. Furthermore customers are able to employ automated DED to repair reactive metals.

Recently announced by Optomec at Formnext in Frankfurt (held from November 19-22), AutoCLAD is unique in its ability to adapt and modify, automatically managing the toolpath and DED parameters. This is based on orientation, dimension, and shape, also including:

Adjustments for toolpath variation
Adaptation to laser power, reducing heat input and heat-affected zones of parts
Fine-tuning of toolpath for original parts—offering an advantageous and smaller overbuild (cutting down on final machining time)

AutoCLAD is available as an upgrade to all customers currently using the Siemens 840D controller, including the:

LENS CS 600
CS 800
CS 1500
MTS 860

“This latest enhancement combines three important technologies developed by Optomec into a single system. Combining the capabilities of AutoCLAD with Optomec’s industry-leading controlled atmosphere technology and hybrid manufacturing solutions enables the processing of reactive metals without oxidation and allows Additive Manufacturing and machining in a single system. No other company has this combination; in fact, no one has software like AutoCLAD,” said Mike Dean, Marketing Director at Optomec.

“We see this as a big win for customers who want to use DED for the repair of titanium components as well as anyone doing repetitive part repair in industries such as oil and gas, mining, and tool and die.”

Optomec, an international leader and supplier of production-grade AM metal systems, has continued to impress recently and over the years, with the release of increasingly progressive AM technology, exploration in new methods like aerosol jet printing, along with research projects and studies regarding different types of fabrication. What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.