The capability could help initiate a ‘new era in large-format metal additive manufacturing,’ according to the company’s CEO.
INDIANAPOLIS—Mears Machine Corporation reported it achieved the capability to additively manufacture what it called “the largest single-piece, non-welded powder bed laser components in the world.” In a November release, Mears Machine stated it would release further details of its new capability in the coming months, describing it as “a global breakthrough.”
Mears Machine Corporation is based in Avon, Indiana, west of Indianapolis. The ISO 9001 and AS100D registered company manufactures components for gas turbines, defense, missile defense, rocket launch, orbital vehicles, and advanced propulsion applications. Mears Machine is also Nadcap accredited and compliant with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
The company is reported to have more than 100 CNC machining centers, 250 pieces of manufacturing equipment, 100 employees, and four state-of-the art Velo3D Sapphire XC large platform Laser Powder Bed Printers.
“This milestone unlocks a new era in large-format metal additive manufacturing,” said James Lloyd, CEO of Mears Machine Corporation, in the release. “We can now deliver components with dramatically shorter lead times, reduced cost, no weld seams, and performance characteristics that often exceed traditional fabrication. We expect this to be transformational across defense, armaments, nuclear, space, industrial chemical processing, and oil and gas markets.”
According to Mears Machine, its capabilities enable production of components from 1mm/0.040 inch to 2m/80 inches in diameter. They are reported to include production of “critical rotating components, casings and structures, precision components, large additive hardware, and complex fabrications.”