Adira AddCreative, based in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, offers large-format laser beam powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) technology based on the Fraunhofer ILT movable processing head solution. Recently, German metal 3D printing company SLM Solutions announced the acquisition of Adira AddCreative, expanding its comprehensive product portfolio to meet different customer needs from standard to ultra-large format additive manufacturing applications.

According to the resource library, SLM Solutions launched the 12-laser NXG XII 600 system at the end of 2020, with a build size of 600 x 600 x 600mm. They subsequently released a 1.5m Z-axis extended version, the NXG XII 600E, and showed off a larger machine at last year’s Formnext show that is said to be able to print parts up to 3.0 x 1.2 x 1.2m. Adira AddCreative’s technology, which supports up to 12 lasers and runs on a 1m x 1m build platform, will fill SLM’s existing product line, sitting between the NXG XII 600 Series and the recently announced SLM large-scale additive manufacturing systems.

Adira Addcreative’s technology is based on patented Tiled Laser Melting (TLM), a laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process that breaks down the entire build volume into individual blocks and assembles them one by one in an optimal sequence within a movable build chamber. to print. The laser head can be moved on the gantry, so the powder spread can be operated independently to increase productivity and processing speed. The system configuration allows for multiple lasers, up to 12 lasers, to print multiple parts simultaneously, increasing machine speed and the ability to create larger parts.

In 2017, AddCreative launched the metal 3D printer ADIRA AddCreator, which uses Adira's Tiled Laser Melting (TLM) proprietary technology and has a build volume of 1000 x 1000 x 500mm. Unlike traditional LPBF, it opens the door to selective heating of areas or the use of multiple build units over a large area. This approach avoids thermal stress and the slow powder coating process, making AddCreative a more distributed metal 3D printing technology that minimizes thermal stress and deformation.

“Integrating this advanced technology into our product portfolio helps optimize our offerings and close the gap between today’s systems and the large-scale additive manufacturing systems of the future,” said Sam O’Leary, CEO of SLM Solutions. “This reaffirms our continued innovation to address our customers’ manufacturing challenges and change the manufacturing landscape forever.”

Adira's AddCreative team in Vila Nova de Gaia played a crucial role in the development of the technology. Now it will join SLM Solution to continue its work on additive manufacturing systems.

AddCreative Chairman and parent company CEO Miguel Gil Mata added: “I am delighted to see this innovative technology, invented and nurtured internally by our team from the beginning, being integrated into one of the leaders in 3D printing Landscape. This is the best recognition of the breakthroughs we have made and a great opportunity for our team and products to further develop in the SLM field."

Adira AddCreative's technology reportedly brings greater flexibility, scalability and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for a variety of applications in industries such as aerospace, energy and defense.