5 things you need to know about the LSAM Additive Printer

LSAM Additive Printers are “Print Only” systems built around Thermwood’s 40mm LSAM print head, offering relatively large, highly capable machines at an attractive price. These systems are used primarily to produce molds and tooling, for aerospace and industrial production applications. As with all LSAM systems, they can process at temperatures up to 450°C, with virtually all composite polymers (including high-temperature materials PSU, PESU, and PEI).

2. What sizes are available?

These single fixed-gantry, moving table configuration systems are available in two table sizes, 5ft x5ft and 5ft x10ft. The 5ft x10ft table is available in 5ft wide with 10ft of front to back motion and 10ft wide with 5ft of front to back motion.

Systems come standard with a single servo table drive that accommodates parts weighing up to 1,000 lb. The 10ft wide table can be equipped with an optional second table drive, increasing maximum weight capacity to 2,000 lb.

3. What about part trimming?

For trimming printed parts, Thermwood recommends our new LSAM Additive Trimmer, available in the same table sizes as the LSAM Additive Printers. It’s available with up to 5ft of vertical travel, allowing it to trim completely around and over the top of the largest part the LSAM Additive Printer can print. You can print and trim at the same time.

Although having a new LSAM Additive Printer plus an LSAM Additive Trimmer requires purchasing two machines, the cost of both is barely more than a third the cost of an LSAM 1020 (currently the smallest flagship LSAM system that prints and trims simultaneously). The LSAM 1020 has a much larger table, faster print head, and can print vertical layers up to 20ft long; however, if you don’t need those capabilities, the new LSAM Additive Printers may be an answer. If you already have trim capability, the cost can be even lower.

4. Same powerful features:

The same powerful, feature rich LSAM control used on the large flagship LSAM systems is standard on the new LSAM Additive Printers. A system for drying and conveying pelletized polymer material is included, as is a liquid chilling system to maintain temperatures on vital systems – important when processing high-temperature materials.

5. The bottom line:

This new LSAM Additive Printer introduces LSAM additive technology to a new level of application and customer. It targets companies wanting to print top quality, large composite thermoplastic parts, but don’t really need a large LSAM system. The new systems also target companies who already have sufficient trimming capability and may only need a quality print function.