Bead

Additive and Subtractive manufacturing. The all-in-one gantry solution

As 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.

3D Printing

CNC Milling

Lavorazione Fresatura CNC CEAD Belotti ENG

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.

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Top Features

Integration of additive and milling processes in a single hybrid solution
5-axis printing of complex geometries. The 45 degree orientation of 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

Advantages

Manual labour elimination for a more automated process: from a CAD geometry to the mould production without the making of a model
Lower investment and space optimization with respect to the single technologies
Less used and waste material for a more efficient production
Shorter lead times and reduced production costs
Greater sustainability thanks to the use of reusable and recyclable materials

Less manual
labour

Shorter lead
times

Lower investment

Less waste
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.