Proto Labs acquires sheet metal fabrication firm

Maple Plain, Minnesota-based Proto Labs has acquired Rapid Manufacturing Group LLC, a Nashua, New Hampshire-based custom parts supplier specializing in quick-turn sheet metal fabrication and CNC machining for $120 million.

Rapid has 140,000ft² of manufacturing space and approximately 300 employees. It adds quick-turn and e-commerce-enabled sheet metal services to Proto Labs’ portfolio and expands machining capabilities to support larger, more complex projects, says Vicki Holt, Proto Labs CEO.

Compact directed energy deposition

BeAM Machines’ directed energy deposition (DED) Modulo 400 machine integrates the laser, chiller, fume extractor, and other equipment into the machine cabinet, making the machine’s footprint small enough to fit inside a shipping container or box truck.

A 2kW fiber laser, controlled atmosphere system, multiple deposition heads, touch trigger probe, and light-duty milling spindle for dry machining are options.

Additive software suite

DP Technology’s ESPRIT Additive Suite features programming, optimization, and simulation for additive and subtractive manufacturing.

First Project Atlas machine unveiled

GE Additive’s first Beta machine, part of its Additive Technology Large Area System (ATLAS) program, is a laser powder-bed fusion system that makes large, complex metal parts.

Developed in nine months, the Beta builds on technology developed by GE, combined with Concept Laser’s expertise in laser additive machines.

The machine features improved resolution and build rate speeds and has a scalable architecture that can increase the Z-axis beyond 1.0m. The machine can incorporate additional lasers and discrete dosing to save on powder and cost. www.conceptlaserinc.com; www.ge.com/additive