Almost exactly a year after first launching its “Made in India” iFusion metal 3D printer series, Intech Additive Solutions is launching the iFusion LF series for large-format laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The new metal 3D printer range was entirely developed and built at Intech’s facility in Bengaluru, India.
The iFusion LF series is available in either a single- or quad-laser configuration, starting with a 500W laser but compatible with 700W and 1000W lasers if needed. The large-format metal 3D printers have a build volume of 450 x 450 x 450 mm (the iFusion SF1, for comparison, has a build space of 150 mm x 180 mm). iFusion LF printers are integrated with Intech’s software suite for metal AM and are compatible with a range of metal materials.
“The system supports a wide range of materials, like aluminum, 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,” said Pradeep Nair, Vice President of Hardware Sales at Intech and a veteran of the AM market.
“Indian companies have a huge interest in 3D printers that build parts larger than 400 mm,” he explained. “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 less expensive mid-sized machines. The iFusion LF series amply fills this void.”
Manufacturing on Demand
In other words, Intech Additive Solutions is developing and making metal 3D printers in India primarily for India-based customers, seeking to simplify supply chains and make the technology more accessible. The printer series is the culmination of years of research and development on behalf of the Intech team.
Sridhar Balaram, CEO of Intech, commented: “The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has identified additive manufacturing 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…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.”
Poeir Jets acquires iFusion LF printer
In parallel with the launch of the iFusion LF series, Intech has announced a new partnership with Poeir Jets, a Bengaluru-based company that designs, develops and manufactures propulsion systems for UAVs, micro-jet engines for UAS and heavy lift drones. The agreement will see Intech supply its LF series to Poeir Jets to address the company’s need for larger 3D printed components.
“The 3D printed parts from the iFusion series performed exceptionally well during the testing phases and proved to be of production quality,” said K.S. Swami, Director of Poeir Jets. “Intech’s 3D printers helped us achieve the required scale for commercializing manufacturing and ensuring lower cost per part. We are now moving to printing parts on Intech’s LF series of machines.”
Swami adds that the LF series will be particularly useful for printing larger engine components and parts for its 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.”
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Author: Tess Boissonneault
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