The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) is one of the largest and longest running industry trade shows in the world. It’s been around since 1927 and has become an essential stop for manufacturers to exhibit new technology and engage with the wider manufacturing community.
IMTS generally draws attendees and exhibitors from all over the world and this year’s show was no exception. Not only was it a fantastic event, but it was also a resounding success for Velo3D!
Going big
Nothing beats interacting with booth attendees in person, and we were especially happy to show off our fully integrated metal additive manufacturing (AM) solution and answer questions from attendees.
The reaction to our booth was fantastic, and while attendees were particularly impressed with the different Sapphire build volumes on display, it was the Sapphire XC 1MZ’s Ø 600 mm x 1000 mm z display that really stole the show.
The Sapphire XC 1MZ is a production-scale metal laser powder bed fusion printer that features the same advanced functionality seen across the Sapphire family but with an expanded build volume, eight 1kW lasers, and increased throughput.
The result is a production-ready, state-of-the-art metal 3D printer that provides up to 4X productivity improvement and 75% cost reduction compared to the standard Sapphire system.
Not to be overlooked, we also launched our newest qualified material, M300 Tool Steel, which paves the way for various automotive and tooling applications to be printed using the Velo3D fully integrated metal AM solution.
This enables improved cooling channel designs that can increase the lifetime of HPDC inserts, sprue bushings, injection molding dies, and other types of tooling.
Where metal meets marvel
While one of the highlights was getting to share the latest build volumes for the Sapphire family of metal AM printers, we were also thrilled to chat with attendees who were eager to learn more about Velo3D and how our technology can help them 3D print high quality metal parts while bypassing traditional design for additive manufacture (DfAM) limitations.
To assist with that, we had a host of parts on display—all of which were printed using the Velo3D fully integrated metal AM solution.
In total we had 35 different parts spanning multiple industries (space, aviation, energy, and more) including a never-before-seen printed dome, the largest dome structure ever printed without underlying supports using LPBF.
The comic book inspired “shield” (pictured below) was printed in Inconel 718 and was carried by our special booth guest, Captain AM!
In case you missed it, here are some of the parts we had on display:
Largest dome structure ever printed without underlying supports using LPBF and printed in Inconel 718.
New turbine technology design consolidating multiple parts to reduce manufacturing complexity. Printed in Inconel 718 on a Velo3D Sapphire XC.
Launcher propellant tank printed with zero internal supports on a Velo3D Sapphire. Serves as both a primary/mounting structure and to hold propellant.
Large 21 in. (535 mm) diameter stator ring featuring low angle blades and internal cooling channels. (Shown as printed in Inconel 718)
Sprue bushings and conformal cooled tooling inserts printed in M300 Tool Steel. Sprue bushings are used in die casting and injection molding to transfer the molten material to the mold cavity.
Fun with friends
Day two of the show gave everyone an opportunity to unwind a little. We held a very popular happy hour, which included local draft beer, Velo3D beer cups, t-shirt giveaways and a visit from Captain AM who was on hand to show off the printed dome closure and take photos with attendees.
It was a show to remember, and we’re thankful to all the team members who contributed to its success. We also want to take a moment to thank all the amazing people who stopped by and chatted with us, especially the individuals who said they’ve been following Velo3D for years and were excited to see how fast our technology is evolving.
We can’t wait to see you all at our next show!
Learn about the Velo3D fully integrated metal AM solution at an upcoming event in your area
