A Deep Dive into Velo3D’s Non-Contact Recoater Blade Technology
Technical Exploration
Velo3D’s non-contact recoater blade technology helps engineers achieve greater design freedom in additive manufacturing (AM). Traditional AM processes, such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), have several limitations that can restrict design freedom. Recoater blades in conventional LPBF machines must often be in contact with the powder bed to spread powder evenly. This can create defects in the printed parts and limits the complexity of part designs.
Velo3D’s non-contact recoater blade eliminates these limitations. The blade is suspended above the powder bed and uses a controlled air flow to spread the powder evenly. This allows for the creation of complex, intricate designs while reducing defects and build failures.
Benefits of our Non-Contact Recoater
Improved Part Complexity
A non-contact recoater improves manufacturing capacity and process stability by widening the gap between the recoater blade and the powder bed, ensuring a consistently thin “working layer” of 50 µm after each cycle.
Enhanced Low-angle Geometries for Maximum Performance
Increased clearance during recoating allows for part protrusion, improving the production of low-angle overhangs, potentially down to a 0° angle relative to the horizontal plane. This minimizes or removes the necessity for anchor geometry, maintaining surface integrity while regulating fluid flow or heat transfer.
Increased Part Quality
Velo3D’s non-contact recoater facilitates the production of “high aspect ratio features” such as thin walls or pins. By widening the gap between the blade and the powder bed, it reduces the shearing forces during recoating, preventing deflection, deformation, or breakage of delicate, free-standing structures.
