3DEO unveils metal 3D-printing platform for mass production

California-based 3DEO unveiled in February its new metal 3D printing platform and patented technology, Saffron. The proprietary platform has been in development for the past five years. “Until now, we have revealed very little about our patented technology, and for good reason - we felt we had a tiger by the tail and wanted to gain as much advantage as possible,” said Matt Sand, 3DEO's co-founder and president.

Using a hybrid additive manufacturing (AM) process that leverages binder jetting and CNC machining, the next-generation printer achieves superior results in terms of surface finish, material properties and dimensional accuracy, Sand said. The build area is 81 sq. in. (523 sq. cm), covered by eight spindles operating at 60,000 rpm with micron-level positional accuracy. Depending on part geometry or print speed required, the printer can automatically vary layer thickness anywhere from 50 to 500 microns.