Bead
Additive and Subtractive manufacturing. The all-in-one gantry solutionAs a result of the partnership between Belotti and CEAD comes BEAD, the new hybrid technology that integrates Large Scale Additive Manufacturing with the milling process in a single machining center.
BEAD exploits the best of both worlds combining the speed and creative potential of 3D printing with the precision and reliability of a cnc center in a single system.
Through the integration of a CEAD extruder for additive manufacturing (of variable dimensions and capacity) in a Belotti 5-axis CNC machining center, BEAD allows the production of parts that are sufficiently oversized to be finished to the required tolerances with times and raw materials consumption lower than traditional methods.
The application potential of this solution is endless: the first sectors that are targeted are the aerospace, automotive and marine for which moulds, patterns, tools and final parts were produced.

The strong drive towards technological innovation has always been a constituent part of Belotti’s DNA: BEAD is a solution that opens up very innovative production scenarios and at the same time enhances the return on investment. The new solution requires less space and programming than two separate systems, and since the workpiece does not need to be machined on two machines, handling and machining times are significantly reduced.
Top Features


Advantages
labour
times
material
Materials
The 3D printing process uses composite pellets made of a thermoplastic polymer matrix and different types of fibers as reinforcement, from glass to carbon and natural fibers.
Polymers range from commodity (PP, PETG…) to high performance materials (PESU, PEEK…). Differently from thermosettings, thermoplastics could be recyclable and re-used, making the process even more sustainable and less environmentally impacting.
Models
BEAD solution can be possible in different configurations with variable build volumes, extrusion outputs and printing orientations.
BEAD finds application in the aerospace, automotive, marine and design industries, allowing for the production of moulds, plugs and autoclave toolings through the use of different materials, from commodity to high performance fiber reinforced polymers.
Sectors




Applications
Models and production tools (plugs, moulds, autoclave toolings for composite production).