OMIC R&D Additive Innovation Center adds direct energy deposition

Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center, Research and Development (OMIC R&D) (OMIC R&D) recently started moving a LASERTEC 4300 provided by DMG MORI USA into its Additive Innovation Center. The machine is unique to the world of Advanced Manufacturing as it is a Direct Energy Deposition (DED) hybrid, incorporating aspects of both traditional machining and additive manufacturing. The LASERTEC 4300 directly approaches solutions in removing common barriers in additive printing such as weak binding, poor accuracy, or rough surfaces on finished products. This acquisition marks a transformative moment for OMIC R&D, significantly enhancing its capabilities in advanced manufacturing.

"The LASERTEC 4300 DED hybrid system from DMG MORI represents the pinnacle of turn-mill additive technology," explains Nils Niemeyer, general manager at DMG MORI Additive Solutions. "This machine allows for building up parts, adding material to existing complex geometries, and machining in the same set up, opening up new avenues in manufacturing design and efficiency."

Niemeyer highlighted the LASERTEC 4300 DED hybrid’s groundbreaking capabilities, saying, "One of the most exciting aspects of these DED hybrid systems is the ability to blend or grade materials, pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in material science and manufacturing."

Craig Campbell, executive director of OMIC R&D, says, "The arrival of the LASERTEC 4300 DED hybrid marks a watershed moment for us. It's not just a machine; it's a catalyst for our work to innovate in the critical space where additive and subtractive technologies meet. We are thrilled about the possibilities this DED hybrid machine opens up and look forward to collaborating with DMG MORI and our other members in exploring this space."

The LASERTEC 4300 DED hybrid is known to excel in deploying wear-resistant materials, marking a shift in how industry can approach manufacturing challenges in material science and emphasizing strategic application for optimal performance. Industry currently faces trials such as the need to replace or repair high-value parts normally cost inhibiting, or parts that are no longer available. This is often due to environmental restrictions or changes in the labor market.

Current industry also suffers from gaps between traditional subtractive machining and additive manufacturing processes. The need to ship parts back and forth to facilities specializing in either additive or subtractive machining can be inhibiting for the supply chain. The use of additive manufacturing continues to advance throughout various key branches of industry, though its adoption into the supply chain could prove to be a high-cost investment for less established decision makers.

Consolidating multiple parts and manufacturing processes, as the DED Hybrid represents, provides a potential solution to these challenges that can be immediately implemented in the supply chain. The machine's capacity for handling graded alloys represents a significant breakthrough, allowing for innovative solutions tailored to specific industrial needs. Bridging the gap between additive and subtractive manufacturing will only strengthen the competencies of industry.

Josh Koch, business development manager for OMIC R&D, is optimistic of how the LASERTEC 4300 DED Hybrid can be used in the immediate region. “Major users of the technology today are space and aerospace companies. Many of those companies exist in the Pacific Northwest, and we hope to work closely with the supply chain to evaluate and de-risk this new hybrid additive equipment.”

The partnership between OMIC R&D and DMG MORI became official in late 2023 when DMG MORI became a Tier 1 member of OMIC’s research consortium. The collaboration will focus on leading the future of manufacturing using its innovative machining technology, with benefits permeating various industries. Their membership enhances the capabilities of OMIC R&D significantly.

OMIC R&D invites members of the supply chain to learn how the LASERTEC 4300 and the expertise of its researchers can benefit their organization. For more information and collaboration opportunities, please contact Jon Elias, Director of Marketing and Communications at OMIC R&D, at jon.elias@oit.edu or 503-821-1155. Visit their website to discover more about their innovative journey.

OMIC R&D was founded in 2017 and combines the efforts of industry and academic partners to develop advanced metals manufacturing technologies and processes. Their facility features a world-class collaborative environment, allowing the team to develop new tools, techniques, and technologies to address near-term manufacturing challenges through applied research and advanced technical training.

DMG MORI has been complementing its broad portfolio of conventional manufacturing methods with additive technologies since 2013. The LASERTEC DED hybrid and LASERTEC SLM models enable holistic process chains from metal powder to high-precision finish machining. Applications range from the production of complex prototypes and small series parts to tool making and the repair of wear parts. In the ADDITIVE INTELLIGENCE consulting unit, DMG MORI also supports beginners as well as experienced users in fully exploiting the potential of metallic 3D printing.