Additive and Subtractive manufacturing. The all-in-one gantry solution
As a result of the partnership between Belotti and CEADcomes BEAD, the new hybrid technology that integrates Large Scale Additive Manufacturing with the milling process in a single machining center. BEADexploits 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.
3D Printing
CNC Milling
Models and Applications
BEAD solution can be possible in different configurations with variable build volumes, extrusion outputs and printing orientations.
BEAD finds application in many industrial sectors, allowing for the production of models and production tools (moulds, plugs and autoclave toolings) through the use of different materials, from commodity to high performance fiber reinforced polymers.
Top Features
Integration of additive and milling processes in a single hybrid solution
5-axis printing of complex geometries. The 45 degree orientationof the extruder enables to print also fully closed shapes without supports for undercuts, reducing printing time and improving interlayer adhesion, and to mediate mechanical and thermal properties of the material at needs
Extrusion output from 12kg/h to 80 kg/h to satisfy the different industry needs and their relative build volumes (automotive, aerospace, marine etc..)
Maximum extrusion temperature up to 400°C to print high performance materials
Electrospindle from 15 to 42 kW
Milling accuracy up to 0.01 mm/m (linear) and +/- 12 arcsec (rotational)
Milling toolchange positions from 8 to 60
Sectors
Aerospace
Automotive
Design and furniture
Marine
Checking fixtures
Thermoformed
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.
Material
Operating temperature
PETG 30% glass fiber
75°C
ABS 20% carbon fiber
90°C
PC 20% carbon fiber – glass fiber
130°C
PEI 20% carbon fiber
200°C
PEEK 30% carbon fiber
>300 °C
Contact us
Contact us for further information or to submit your case study
Due to its light weight and high output, the E25 extruder offers a cost-effective and reliable turnkey system that can be integrated onto a Belotti CNC machine.
