WeAreAM

WeAreAM Boosts Industrial 3D Printing Capabilities with AddUp’s FormUp 350 Metal Printer

WeAreAM, a leading additive manufacturing competence center in Northern Italy, has taken a major step to enhance its industrial 3D printing capabilities by acquiring the FormUp 350 metal printer from French company AddUp. This strategic investment aligns with the company’s mission to deliver high-precision components for the aerospace and medical sectors, further cementing its position as a key player in the additive manufacturing (AM) industry.

A Comprehensive Approach to Additive Manufacturing

WeAreAM, founded by industry leaders Seamthesis, AQM, VALLAND, Fenice, and Buffoli Industries, operates as a one-stop solution for additive manufacturing. The center covers the entire production cycle, from powder atomization to final part machining and testing, offering unparalleled expertise in the field.

The addition of the FormUp 350 metal printer exemplifies WeAreAM’s commitment to industrial-scale production, combining innovation with operational safety and efficiency.

Why the FormUp 350?

AddUp’s FormUp 350 was chosen for its advanced features that prioritize precision, safety, and repeatability:

Autonomous Powder Module (APM): Ensures safe handling of reactive materials, such as titanium, by maintaining an inert atmosphere during powder storage and transfer.

High Precision: Equipped with up to four 500W Ytterbium fiber lasers and a build volume of 350 x 350 x 350 mm, the FormUp 350 achieves dimensional accuracy up to 0.1 mm.

Efficiency: The bidirectional roller recoating system enhances powder bed density, resulting in superior surface finishes and reduced post-processing requirements.

“The machine’s safety features and precision align with our commitment to providing reliable and efficient solutions for high-precision applications,” said Paolo Folgarait, CEO of WeAreAM.

Maurizio Romeo, CTO of WeAreAM, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of safety in handling reactive powders. “The Autonomous Powder Module was a key factor in our decision. Ensuring the safety of our team and clients is paramount,” he noted.

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The Growing Role of Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing is increasingly recognized for its ability to overcome the limitations of traditional manufacturing methods. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and space exploration are embracing AM for its:

1. Speed: Rapid production of complex parts.

2. Versatility: Creation of customized and intricate designs.

3. Material Capabilities: Utilization of advanced materials with properties tailored for demanding applications.

Spotlight: National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), France

An excellent example of AM’s transformative potential is the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) in France, which utilizes INTAMSYS’s high-temperature polymer 3D printers to produce satellite assembly tools. This transition from traditional methods to AM has resulted in:

Reduced production timelines, achieving same-day turnarounds.

Components made from high-performance materials like ULTEM and PEEK, designed to withstand extreme temperatures and vacuum conditions in space environments.

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Pioneering Sustainability in Additive Manufacturing

Sustainability is becoming a critical focus for the additive manufacturing sector. Companies like Forecast 3D, FKM, Hasenauer & Hesser, and RapidCenter are adopting eco-friendly post-processing technologies such as DyeMansion’s Powerfuse S vapor smoothing system.

Introduced in 2019, the Powerfuse S revolutionized post-processing with its:

Closed-loop solvent recycling system, reducing environmental impact.

Departure from traditional PFAS-based solvents, known for their persistence in the environment.

These advancements demonstrate the sector’s growing commitment to reducing its ecological footprint while maintaining efficiency and quality.

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Looking Ahead

The addition of the FormUp 350 to WeAreAM’s facility marks a significant milestone in the evolution of industrial-scale additive manufacturing. By prioritizing safety, precision, and sustainability, WeAreAM is well-positioned to lead in the production of high-performance components for aerospace and medical industries.

As additive manufacturing continues to grow in adoption across various industries, innovations like those from AddUp and DyeMansion highlight the potential of this technology to transform how we design, produce, and use industrial components.