Bead
Additive and Subtractive manufacturing. The all-in-one gantry solutionAs a result of the partnership between Belotti and CEAD comes BEAD, the hybrid technology that integrates Large Format 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 marine, automotive and aerospace for which moulds, patterns, tools and final parts were produced.
3D Printing
CNC Milling
Models, applications and integrations
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 (jigs, moulds, master moulds and autoclave toolings,) through the use of different materials, from commodity to high performance fiber reinforced polymers.
The Belotti BEAD machining center supports the full integration of the Siemens Sinumerik ONE software for both 3D printing and milling processes, ensuring compatibility with the most advanced and complete slicing software available on the market. In addition, the system offers a high level of customization of the machining center for printing and milling operations, making the extrusion system also available as a retrofit on existing Belotti machines, thus expanding the possibilities of use.
Top Features
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 |
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Benefits
labour
times
material
Accessories
Extruder E25 - 12 kg/h
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.
Extruder S25 - 25 kg/h
The S25 extruder has the same screw diameter as the E25 model, but offers more material output for higher production demands or larger parts.
Extruder E50 – 84 kg/h
The E50 extruder offers the maximum output that combined with large nozzle sizes, enable large bead manufacturing and production or large parts.
Base unit
The base unit controls temperature, extrusion speed, automatic material transport, ensuring safe operations.
Dryer
The pellet dryer is required when processing various thermoplastic materials.
Optional: automated hopper loader.
Contact us for further information or to submit your case study