ADDiTEC made its debut at Formnext 2023, showcasing its Liquid Metal Jetting technology following the acquisition of Elem Additive from Xerox earlier in the year. The company’s new Hybrid 3 system was also launched at the show, which includes Laser Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology and CNC machining.

TCT visited ADDiTEC’s booth during the event to examine the technology more closely. R&D Program Manager Sriram Manoharan explained that Liquid Metal Jetting involves welding wire into a crucible with an induction heating mechanism to melt the wire. Electromagnetic forces then generate a pulse, which produces droplets. This process offers high-resolution parts.

Manoharan also discussed the benefits of Laser Directed Energy Deposition (DED), which provides high deposition rates. He mentioned that combining these two technologies offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides a geometric advantage by allowing for high-deposition infills with DED and high-resolution perimeters with liquid metal jetting. Additionally, a CNC operation can be used for surface finishing.