Rapid Prototyping -- Laser Engineered Net Shaping - LENS

The LENS system uses 4 nozzles to make 3-dimensional, high-density, parts and molds from the inside out. The nozzles direct a stream of metal powder in argon gas at a moveable central point while a high-powered laser beam heats the point. Throughout the process, the substrate continuously moves, guided by data derived from a thin layer of a CAD solid model. Layer-by -layer the nozzles and laser worked together to gradually build up the model.

The LENS process is unique since it goes from raw material directly to metal parts without any secondary operations. It can produce parts in a wide range of alloys, including titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, and inconel. Primary applications for LENS technology include Repair & Overhaul, Rapid Prototyping, Low-Volume Manufacturing, and Product Development for Aerospace, Defense, and Medical markets.

This process was developed at Sandia National Laboratories and is being commercialized and distributed by Optomec.

See Also -- Optomec