ZIKNES INCLUDES MELTIO MULTILASER WORKHEAD IN ITS Z-METAL ONE ROBOTISED MACHINE

Meltio, a manufacturer of disruptive laser metal deposition technology and Ziknes, a tech start up that is renovating manufacturing by bringing together robotics and additive manufacturing, have joined forces to create Z-Metal One, a robotised plug-and-play machine that enables 3D parts to be produced easily, sustainably and efficiently thanks to a multilaser workhead designed by Meltio, a company for whom Sicnova acts as master reseller in the Iberian Peninsula.

Ziknes has been working hand in hand with the Meltio team since 2021 to create a system that’s ready to use by the end customer as soon as it arrives on site and offers a comprehensive hardware and software solution for 3D metal printing. The Z Metal-One includes a self-supporting structure with a robot, a positioner and the Meltio laser workhead. This integration is made possible thanks to Meltio Engine, the hybrid manufacturing module by Meltio that enables 3D printing to be combined with CNC machining centres or robotic arms. Ziknes opted for this technology due to its commitment to making the industrial sector a more sustainable activity in which waste, emissions and energy use is curbed.

Z Metal-One is devised as an all-in-one solution, bringing together its robot-controlled printing software, a positioning table, a laser printing system, process automation and a validated self-supporting structure that makes the machine easy to transport. This combination of elements facilitates printing in 3D geometries that were impossible to achieve before and large-scale parts with materials such as titanium, copper, aluminium, steel and Inconel. Meltio, the company that created the workhead, also sells these materials through Sicnova. The low energy-consumption workhead is easy to maintain, does not produce waste and makes manufacturing safer.

Digital twin

The software for the Ziknes system with Meltio workhead is simple and does not require users to have knowledge of robotics. The parts are designed in CAD and the Ziknes software translates the orders for the robot. Thanks to the digital twin system, the end result of the printing process can be previewed before commencing in order to ascertain the cost of materials and argon gas it will entail, and the time needed for printing. The Z-Metal One can also create a virtual stock in companies so that, instead of warehousing and saving spare parts for weeks, they can just be printed when they are needed.

The robot that directs the Meltio multilaser workhead has 6 axes, which gives flexibility to the process. In addition, the positioner has two rotation and turning axes, which means that it is not necessary to create supports for the parts. Ziknes validates the machines at its own facilities before sending them to the end customer with a manual or on site at the customer's location. In this case, it is sufficient to complete a basic training course.

Source: Interempresas