Intech Additive Solutions Pvt Ltd. (Intech), the first Indian OEM successful in developing and supplying 3D metal printers based on laser powder bed fusion technology (LPBF) for industrial manufacturing, has announced the expansion of its range of Metal 3D printers with the launch of the ‘iFusion LF series’, its Large Format range of Metal 3D Printers with a high build rate for cost-effective manufacturing.
The ‘iFusion LF series’, entirely developed and built at Intech’s facility at Bengaluru, has a range that starts with a single 500W laser printer and is upgradeable to a quad laser configuration with 700W and 1000W lasers if required. The LF series of machines require the lowest initial investment to procure and install, compared to other similar-sized metal 3D printers, along with locally available spares and support.
This ‘Made in India’ product from Intech is a result of extensive research, development and innovation spread over the past almost 4 years. The ‘iFusion LF series’ large-format 3D printers, tightly integrated with Intech’s software suite for Metal Additive Manufacturing with a build volume of 450x450x450mm, aims to deliver robustness and productivity at a competitive MHR and lowest cost per part (CPP).
“Indian companies have a huge interest in 3D Printers that build parts larger than 400mm. All these machines must be imported and are prohibitively expensive. There are other issues like long lead times for support and spares, making Indian companies ultimately settle for the less expensive mid-sized machines. The ‘iFusion LF Series’ amply fills this void.” said Pradeep Nair, Vice President -Hardware Sales, Intech. “The system supports a wide range of materials like Aluminium, Titanium, Steel, Inconel and Cobalt Chrome addressing the needs of industries such as Aerospace, Automotive, General Engineering, Tool & Die and Medical Market segments in India and abroad.”
Intech has already signed a definite agreement with Bengaluru based Poeir Jets, the first company from India into the design, development, and manufacture of propulsion systems for unmanned aerial applications and micro-Jet engines for UAS (unmanned Aerial Solutions) and Heavy lift Drones, for the supply of its LF series. With the success of the 3D printed parts from Intech, Poeir Jets have begun printing larger parts with an ‘iFusion LF series’ system for their production needs.
“The 3D printed parts from the iFusion series performed exceptionally well during the testing phases and proved to be of production quality. Intech’s 3D printers helped us achieve the required scale for commercialising manufacturing and ensuring lower cost per part. We are now moving to print parts on Intech’s LF series of machines. The LF’s larger build envelope suits our needs to print parts for our engine and Hybrid Drones. This, coupled with the lower costs compared to imported systems, local spares and support availability among other things, make it an automatic choice for us” said K.S. Swami, Director, Poeir Jets.
“The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has identified Additive Manufacturing (AM) as a critical focus area. The Government plans to promote various AM sector verticals including machines, materials, software, and design methodologies to leverage new and untapped business opportunities. This initiative will prepare the Indian manufacturing sector for Industry 4.0 and evolve an integrated approach towards this emerging technology.’ said Sridhar Balaram, CEO of Intech.” Intech’s range of metal 3D printers is indigenously designed and manufactured for both the Indian and global markets. In this regard it is “Made in India, Built for the World” and captures the essence of the Aatmanirbhar initiative of the Indian Government. We have an excellent team in place and are confident of enhancing and growing the Indian AM ecosystem with our range of metal 3D printers, and end-to-end metal AM solutions.”