A 3D printer is being developed in Russia that prints parts measuring up to 450 x 450 x 550 mm: What’s special about it?

Russia is developing the first industrial 3D printer AM450 with selective laser melting (SLM) technology, which will be able to print large-sized metal parts that are used in specialized mechanical engineering and the aerospace industry.

Design documentation and software are created by Onsint, which will also equip the printer with specialized components. TechnoSpark is responsible for the manufacture of components and mass production. It is expected that the assembly of the first prototype will be completed on the territory of TechnoSpark before the end of 2024, and the printer will be tested next year.

The AM450 will allow you to print parts up to 450 x 450 x 550 mm in size from powder materials of titanium, chrome-nickel, cobalt-chrome alloys, as well as aluminum and stainless steel. One of the printer options will have one laser, the second - with four, with a power of 500 and 1000 W, respectively.

Larger printers?

3D printers today are available in a variety of sizes, and their maximum print volumes can vary significantly. There are printers capable of printing parts of truly impressive sizes:

• The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max, for example, has a working volume of 420 x 420 x 480 mm and can handle materials such as PLA, TPU, PETG, ABS, ASA and nylon.
• Anycubic Kobra Max is a 450 x 400 x 400 mm printer that supports materials such as PLA, ABS, PETG and TPU.
• Modix Big-60 V3 Kit with impressive dimensions of 600 x 600 x 660 mm is also suitable for large-scale projects.
• Raise3D Pro 3 Plus has a working volume of 299.72 x 299.72 x 604.52 mm (single extruder) or 254 x 299.72 x 604.52 mm (dual extruder) and supports a wide range of materials.
• The Massivit 10000 boasts a staggering 1420 x 1110 x 1500mm dimensions, which is roughly the size of a small room.

What is special about the AM450?

Although there are printers that can print larger parts than the AM450, the latter is still of some interest. Let's try to figure out why.

Firstly, the device will work with a variety of materials - from lightweight aluminum to durable titanium - and this opens up a wide range of possibilities. Each material has its own unique properties, making it suitable for specific applications, from automotive to aerospace.

In the automotive industry, such a printer will be able to create prototypes and components for engines, exhaust systems and a variety of other parts. In the aerospace industry, such a printer can create aircraft engine parts, structural components and landing gear.

It can also be used in the energy sector - for printing complex parts for turbines, generators and heat exchangers, as well as in medicine - for creating individual implants, surgical instruments and prostheses.

Of course, both the creation of such a printer and its operation involve a number of difficulties. But if successful, such a printer could increase Russia's manufacturing capabilities, reduce dependence on imports and stimulate innovation.