After producing high-tech fiber and CO2 laser systems for such applications as marking, cutting and engraving, Fonon Technologies has announced the release of their own brand of 3D metal sintering system, 3D FUSION metal printer, and it is now available for order.
Like other metal sintering machines, Fonon’s 3D FUSION process translates 3D CAD models into physical objects by focusing a high-powered laser to fuse metal nano powders at layer thicknesses from 10 to 100 microns. And, as with most 3D metal printers, parts printed on the FUSION machine must be post-processed with heat treatment, surface finishing, and coating, to reach their final design specifications.
A spokesman for Fonon, Robert Hunt, said of the new machine, “We are one of the Pioneering professional laser equipment companies in the USA who stepped into additive manufacturing. We believe that our vast experience in the design and manufacture of laser tools installed at most major Fortune 500 manufacturing companies will guarantee the broader penetration of exciting 3D metal fusion into industrial space. We intend to replace the generic approach to 3D Metal prototyping and replace it with development of specialized high productivity 3D Fusion systems to fit specific applications. For example the system for Jewelry printing will be completely different from the Laser Fusion system capable of manufacturing medical contact pads or missile war heads.”
I contacted Fonon to get more details about the FUSION 3D printer, but wasn’t able to get a hold of anyone to ask them more specific details about the technology, so we’re unable to tell you about the machine’s build volume, the range of metals it can print, the price of the machine, how long it’s been in development, or how exactly it differs from other laser metal sintering machines on the market. We’ll be sure to update you as soon as we know!
