Michigan-based Roush expands with largest powderbed metal AM system
Staff
Additive Manufacturing Concept LaserThe company purchased the Xline 2000R, a powderbed metal additive system from Concept Laser, that offers a build envelope of 800x400x500mm for large-scale production, such as engine blocks.
Roush, a full-service product development supplier headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, added one of the world’s largest metal additive manufacturing systems.
The company purchased the Xline 2000R, a powderbed metal additive system. Acquired by GE Additive in 2016, the Xline 2000R from Concept Laser has a build envelope of 800 x 400 x 500 mm for large-scale production, such as engine blocks. The machine includes a rotating platform that allows two build modules to be used reciprocally.
This new purchase will allow the company to expand its capabilities in multiple industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, entertainment, medical and consumer products.
“During the past year, Roush has invested millions of dollars in new additive manufacturing equipment to expand our reach into more industries,” said Dean Massab, executive vice president of business development for Roush Enterprises.
The company has been providing additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping services for more than 15 years. Roush’s latest investment adds new fused deposition modeling with large-frame machines from Stratasys; direct metal laser melting equipment from EOS; and capabilities in design for additive and topology optimization to its existing stereolithography, selective laser sintering and rapid prototyping services.
Roush’s new 3D printing capabilities also include working with advanced materials, such as production-grade thermoplastics and carbon fiber-filled nylon material.
Aerospace industry customers will benefit from Ultem materials (used in production aircraft components) with their high heat and chemical resistance, and certifications in flame, smoke and toxicity.
The automotive industry will benefit from actual production material (ABS, PC, PPSF, etc.) for prototype and production parts without the need for tooling.
Military and racing industry customers will benefit from the lightweight, mechanical properties of the carbon-fiber-filled nylon material for high performance components.
Beyond 3D printing, the company provides a number of supplemental services including 3D scanning, metallurgical testing and inspection, machining, fabrication and assembly and full-spectrum design engineering.
