Metal 3D printing machine manufacturer Optomec has announced that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) has ordered one of its new LENS 3D Metal Hybrid Controlled Atmosphere Systems. The 3D metal printer was launched earlier in 2016 as part of the new LENS Machine Tool Series, which combines a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) vertical mill from Fryer Machine Systems with Optomec LENS Print Engine technology to enable low-cost, high-value metal additive and subtractive manufacturing.
The university intends to use the system to advance research in areas such as heavy machinery, medical devices and aeronautics. UNL needed a machine that could perform both additive and subtractive processes, but also operate in an enclosed environment so that oxygen can be purged from the system to allow for the printing of metals such as titanium and aluminium.