PRODUCT REVIEWS
Optical CMM scanners
Creaform , a business unit of AMETEK , Inc . ( a worldwide provider of automated and portable 3D measurement solutions ) has announced the release of its MetraSCAN BLACK + ™ , MetraSCAN BLACK + Elite™ and HandyPROBE Next +. These are the latest versions of its suite of optical CMM 3D scanners and probes .
Leveraging new ISO 10360 certifications and set-up assistance tools , this latest generation
Above and top right : MetraSCAN BLACK + 3D scanner in operation .
of the MetraSCAN 3D line-up aims to provide professionals with sophisticated tools to optimise their operations . Enabling the simple and precise measurement of large parts , the expansion of this line-up marks a strategic move by Creaform to meet the evolving needs of quality-control experts .
“ Engineered to optimise workflow and enhance outcomes in any given condition and for any users ( experts and non-experts alike ), these new solutions introduce other standout features such as rigorous acceptance tests , a new automatic volume extension specification and 360 ° magnetic targets . A range of visual guidance , control and troubleshooting tools are also available ,” outlined the manufacturer .
The troubleshooting tools offer advanced set-up diagnostics , making it possible to validate jig or part set-up deformations from any cause ( thermal , impacts etc .) in a single click .
Boasting two decades of experience in dimensional metrology , Creaform helps its customers to achieve their measurement ambitions with its 3D solutions . Headquartered in Lévis , Québec , Creaform is present in more than 85 countries through its 26 locations all around the world and a network of over 100 distributors . n
www . creaform3d . com / en
BAE Systems buys FDM 3D printers
Above and top : MetraSCAN BLACK + 3D scanner in operation .
Laser Lines has sold the first two Stratasys F3300 Fused Deposition Modelling ( FDM ) 3D printers ( the first installation in the UK ) to BAE Systems for its Samlesbury site in the UK .
“ The Stratasys F3300 employs new technology that provides a step change in print speed compared to other FDM printers . These advances enable printing at rates of up to twice those of current high-production FDM systems . This means that users can produce up to twice the number of parts in the same time span , depending upon part geometry ,” explained Laser Lines .
“ The investment in the Stratasys F3300 additive manufacturing machines marks a significant milestone , as these are the first two machines to be sold in the UK . The F3300 is designed to deliver superior results in FDM and boasts increased part strength , higher throughput , enhanced machine reliability and improved traceability , whilst enabling users to print parts in multiple colours and resolutions ,” it continued .
These advances , together with the large build volume , makes the F3300 suitable for production and high-end prototyping in the aerospace , automotive and defence industries .
Steven Barnes , Additive Manufacturing
Lead , BAE Systems Air sector , added : “ As a business , we are constantly looking for ways to improve the way we do things . Additive manufacturing is revolutionary in that sense .
Stratasys F3300 FDM 3D printer .
It opens up potential in all sorts of ways . It allows us to rapidly prototype new parts , adapt our production capacities to different volumes and products more easily and in the support of platforms across the world , we can stand ready to produce one-off spares at the touch of a button . All of those possibilities are transforming the way we can approach design , manufacturing and support .”
The machines form part of BAE Systems ’ broader strategy to drive production improvements and reduce costs and timeto-market across the company ’ s ‘ Air ’ sector products . The machine ’ s interface design that focuses on ease of use for human operators , with a 15.6-inch screen . GrabCAD Print and Insight software are included to simplify , speed up and improve builds .
Founded in 1975 , Laser Lines is a supplier of lasers and accessories , 3D printers , rapid prototyping machines and vacuum casting systems . It is a Stratasys-appointed Platinum Partner . n
www
. laserlines . co . uk
www . 3dprinting . co . uk
ISMR June 2024 | ismr . net | 55