FAQ

BEAD can be used to process a wide variety of thermoplastic materials when specifically tailored for large-scale 3D printing. Not all generic polymers are suitable for LSAM processes, as their physical and mechanical properties are important for making pellets suitable for this technology. Once designed for 3D printing, many materials can be extruded on BEAD systems, from low-(PP, PETg, PLA, ABS) to medium-high-temperature solutions (PA6, PC, PEI, PESU).

LSAM materials typically consist of fiber-reinforced pellets, where short glass, carbon, or natural fibers are used to both increase the final properties of the printed component, being stiffer and more thermally stable, as well as ease and stabilize the printing process itself through their alignment during material deposition.

Unfilled materials are generally more challenging to print: printed layers have a higher warping tendency, and material management is more difficult because of a lower conductivity, resulting in a lower adhesion to printing bases and longer printing times with respect to fiber-reinforced materials.

Based on our experience and the expertise of our partners, we are able to offer the optimal solution to meet customer needs in terms of material selection, depending on the specific requirements of the application.

Once an object is designed for large-scale additive manufacturing, its total printing time depends on several factors, involving the geometry itself, the extruder capability, programming settings, and material properties, all strictly related and resulting in a specific “layer time” that each material should be printed according to.

In general, LSAM is based on heat management: the printing part should maintain a recommended temperature, be material specific, and be defined to avoid collapse of the structure if it is too hot, while guaranteeing adhesion between layers at the same time. To ensure the optimal temperature for each layer of a print, a layer time is set such that the most suitable conditions for a stable structure during and after printing are respected.

Based on our material validation and the expertise of our partners, we are able to suggest a layer time which ultimately results in a printing speed that, whether slow or fast, depends on the path the machine must travel, layer by layer.

The extruder’s ability to maintain the optimal layer time for a specific application is determined by its maximum extruder output, which does not specify the time required to print an object. Instead, it determines whether the printing process is possible under optimal conditions.

We can recommend the most suitable solution to meet customer needs by considering extruder models with various specifications, based on application requirements.

LSAM differs from the more commonly known small-scale 3D printing. In particular, the heat generated through the printing process is managed in a different way, as every new layer should be deposited not only when the previous layer is hot enough to guarantee material adhesion, but also when it is cold enough to create a stable structure throughout the entire duration of printing.

LSAM heat management requires a different approach with respect to small-scale 3D printing and, assuming that the design for LSAM is crucial, different advanced software are used to program LSAM processes. These solutions, called “slicers” as 3D models are “sliced” in layers, are constantly under developments in order to face LSAM challenges and meet always new application requirements.

BEAD has been integrated with the most advanced slicers on the market, allowing for programming of complex paths such as vertical, angled, and even multiplanar prints depending on the project requirements. Currently, BEAD is compatible with AdaOne by Adaxis, AiSyinc by AiBuild, and NX by Siemens.

Contact us to learn about the various benefits of our different options and discover the best solution for your specific requirements.

The most common repairs involve bearing replacements due to wear, correcting spindle sensor faults, and rebalancing. To reduce the risk of unexpected downtime and average repair time, we recommend investing in preventive maintenance. This solution is both economically and operationally advantageous for two key reasons:

• Planned Intervention: Belotti technician visits are scheduled in advance, avoiding sudden breakdowns of the spindle and enabling clients to proactively manage production downtime.
• Less Impact and Greater Savings: Unlike repairs for existing damage, preventive maintenance does not require replacing damaged components or compromised structures, making it less invasive and more cost-effective.

Adopting Belotti’s preventive maintenance program ensures greater operational efficiency, reduces unforeseen expenses, and maintains consistently high machining center performance.

Belotti Service offers the advantages of a partner with over 40 years of experience in CNC machining centers and in-depth knowledge of production processes of companies operating across various industries.
Through our dedicated Service centers and specialized electrospindle repair area, we provide high quality repairs that guarantee:

• Shorter lead times compared to manufacturers, in both assembly and testing phases.
• The use of dedicated resources, such as specialized equipment and qualified professionals.
• Exclusive use of original materials, with high-turnover spare parts always available in stock.

In case of emergencies, you can contact our Belotti Service who will determine the best solution in terms of time and cost, whether it’s urgent repair, the B-Rapid service, or the provision of an alternative spare part.

B-Rapid is a quick-response service that helps companies minimize machine downtime caused by spindle failures while benefiting from significant economic advantages.
Unlike standard repair services requiring spindle shipment for fault diagnosis and repair according to the time required by the necessary interventions, the B-Rapid service offers the pickup of the used and failed electrospindle and its rapid replacement with an overhauled electrospindle, supplied at a further discounted rate.
IMPORTANT: The B-Rapid service applies exclusively to electrospindles and is subject to availability of a refurbished product with the same code in Belotti’s stock.