Hybrid subtractive-additive systems specialist混合制造技术(HMT)has revealed that it’s spearheading a new R&D program called ‘FastWireAM.’
Backed by the UK-based technology acceleratorInnovate UK，，，，the project is designed to fast-track the development of a new compact wire-feed system for laser-based 3D printing. Once the new DED design is ready, HMT will work with consultancy firmTWIand wire feedstock producerEpoch Wires，，，，优化其性能并加速其市场的吸收。
Optimizing wire-fed 3D printing
During the research program, HMT is set to collaborate with Epoch to build the new system at technology firmTWI’s约克郡基地。这家英国公司将将该设备集成到其KUKA机器人单元中，并计划在专门构建的演示器上进行过程优化和性能映射测试。
After the system’s capabilities have been validated by TWI as an independent third-party, the companies will 3D print a selection of industrial case study components. Using these prototype parts, HMT ultimately aims to demonstrate the benefits of 3D printing with its proprietary interchangeable head over existing DED technologies.
Epoch的参与也具有营销元素，因为它打算展示客户可以通过其粉末芯的电源原料获得的“附加价值”。尽管合作伙伴尚未设置该项目的完成日期，但他们获得了英国创新的拨款，这应该加速该设备的开发。
HMT’s hybrid manufacturing approach
Founded in 2012, HMT specializes in combining 3D printing and milling through the marketing of its unique AMBIT DED head. Thanks to the device’s distinctive integrated design, users are able to fabricate parts with both additive and subtractive technologies, without needing to adjust the CNC machine’s structure.
自开发原始范围以来，该公司发布了一系列工具头，检查头和激光扫描仪，目的是为其客户提供最佳的过程多功能性。该公司还冒险进入3D打印的其他领域，开发了其新的‘AXIOM’ thermoplastic production methodin May 2020.
HMT’s hybrid process is designed to combine the speed and part quality benefits associated with injection molding with additive manufacturing to find a new “middle ground.” The company discovered its new approach when it attached its AMBIT XTRUDE PE-1 printhead to a CNC machine while producing PPE last year.
据说许多结果的零件类似于使用注射成型的零件。尽管Xtrude PE-1本身并不新鲜，并且已经与各种机器人平台相连，但新方法至少反映了公司不断完善其技术的承诺。
Innovate UK and additive invention
Innovate UK是由英国政府设立的，目的是提高先进技术的发展，并且经常为基于3D打印的项目提供资金。
Meta Additivereceived a £1.2 million grant from Innovate UK in December last year, to further develop itsnovel proprietary binder jetting technology。据报道，该过程达到了高度密度和低收缩率，可能使其非常适合航空航天或医疗3D打印应用。
Similarly, the剑桥大学spin-outBlue Taphas been awarded Innovate UK funding to support the technical development of its3D printed water purification technology。该公司的添加氯剂量剂旨在将发展中国家的供水系统安装到管道上。
In the past, Innovate UK has also set up project calls, and in March 2019 the accelerator开放了200万英镑的资金竞赛帮助进一步研究光子技术。R＆D赠款的一部分是为了提高激光加工，3D打印，光子疗法或激光雷达工艺而保留的。
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Featured image shows HMT’s AMBIT MULTI LMD-W head in action. Photo via HMT.
