Before TCT Asia 2023a Shanghai-based metal additive manufacturing (AM) company. HBD announced the launch of a “game changer” for large-format metal 3D printing. This week at China’s largest AM event, the laser powder bed fusion specialist lifted the veil on its latest machine, the HBD E1000, a “carefully designed” AM system aimed primarily at the aerospace market.
Here, HBD Overseas Business Development Manager, Celine Xie provides TCT with more details on the machine’s features, why the company sees its highest adoption rates in the aerospace and energy sectors, and China’s “unprecedented agility in adopting and integrating new AM technologies.”
Register for TCT Asia 2023 and visit HBD at booth H45.
TCT: Tell us what HBD will be bringing to this year’s TCT Asia in Shanghai?
CX: At this year’s TCT Asia in Shanghai, we are pleased to introduce the HBD E1000, a metal 3D printer designed for high-strength, high-efficiency and continuous production.
HBD 1000 is a carefully designed additive manufacturing system specifically tailored for some precision manufacturing industries such as automotive, energy and aerospace.
A testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, the HBD E1000 features seamless integration of additional components that elevate its performance standards. Its standout feature includes an advanced laser control system equipped with a remarkable eight lasers, delivering unmatched precision. Additionally, the system’s generous structural dimensions provide an exceptional level of versatility and meet diverse manufacturing requirements in numerous areas.
In making breakthrough performance, HBD has not abandoned the requirements of stability. The HBD E1000 still delivers stable output results compared to the 3D printing devices introduced by HBD in the past. This ensures that the HBD E1000 can be quickly implemented in customer applications.
TCT: What do you think is the most important trend you are seeing in the AM industry today? Are there any that you think are unique to the market in China?
CX: In the current landscape of the additive manufacturing industry in China, a key trend revolves around the industry’s relentless pursuit of industrialization and scalability. The scope of AM has expanded well beyond prototyping and small-scale production to include large-scale industrial applications in sectors such as aerospace, automotive and healthcare. When we turn our attention to the unique characteristics of the Chinese AM market, several important differences stand out. All industries have a very open attitude and all are actively involved in exploring additive manufacturing, not only for R&D but also for end-use applications.
Metal additive manufacturing requirements include larger sizes (larger capacity), more lasers (higher efficiency), more stability and less support, more localization (lower cost), a greater variety of printing materials, and higher accuracy and performance Center of attention.
China has shown unprecedented agility in adopting and integrating new AM technologies across its economy, positioning itself as a player in 3D printer production and materials. Additionally, the Chinese AM landscape emphasizes customization and local production, especially in healthcare, where personalized medical implants and dental products are manufactured. The country’s extensive investment in AM research and development has resulted in innovative materials and printing methods, and collaboration with international partners promotes knowledge sharing and global expansion.
TCT: Can you share with us a recent customer application success story?
CX: I can present two current customer applications from our end customers. The first case is in the aerospace sector and is called the Thrust Chamber. This is a component printed from 316L stainless steel with a layer thickness of 60 micrometers, a weight of 90.19 kg and dimensions of 602.0 x 632.8 x 1000 mm. With the HBD E1000 metal 3D printer, the 8-laser metal printer introduced today, printing this pattern can increase efficiency by 232% compared to using the 4-laser HBD 1000 printer. This is a groundbreaking case for HBD, showing that metal 3D printing can effectively increase production efficiency.
Another case is the manufacture of a special mold for a bottle neck thread, complete with an intricately designed water channel insert. The project specifications were demanding and required the creation of an extensive mold measuring 315 x 312 x 65 millimeters and weighing an impressive 6.74 kilograms. Our approach was to leverage the capabilities of the HBD 350 3D printer, a choice dictated by its impressive capabilities. This decision allowed us to implement highly efficient cooling channels that were carefully optimized and contoured, resulting in superior cooling performance and higher production efficiency. Additionally, our relentless commitment to process optimization extended beyond the cooling channels and resulted in significant improvements in operational efficiency. In summary, our customer received a high quality mold, experienced significant operational efficiencies, and enjoyed accelerated market entry, illustrating HBD’s commitment to empowering our customers in their respective industries.
TCT: What makes HBD’s technology stand out in a growing additive manufacturing market?
CX: Let me elaborate on the distinctive features that set HBD apart: HBD is a pioneer in the metal additive manufacturing industry. Quality is the cornerstone of our business, as evidenced by our rigorous testing protocols, which include over 190 individual tests and more than 30 comprehensive factory inspections before a printer is shipped. Our commitment to customer satisfaction comes first.
This independently developed, collaborative multi-laser path planning slicing software fully meets customers’ complex requirements such as slicing, material development, texture addition and more. To simplify the user experience, we define this software as fast, adaptable and user-friendly, requiring only three simple steps for easy use. In addition, we offer our customers operational training and promise to offer permanent updates without incurring any obligations.
In conclusion, I would like to say that not only do we value research and technological advancement, but as part of the additive manufacturing industry, we also deeply understand that it is more important to understand the needs of the industry and customers. We maintain close communication with our customers and offer comprehensive pre-sales and after-sales support.
TCT: Which industries are most likely to adopt HBD’s technology?
CX: I believe that HBD’s technology is most representative and widely used in these two industries: aerospace and energy. In the aerospace sector, our technology is the preferred choice for manufacturing critical components due to its precision and reliability, improving the performance and safety of aircraft and spacecraft, such as the Flight Vane exhibited at TCT Asia this year, which was manufactured with Our new product HBD E1000 features an internal lattice structure, resulting in a weight reduction of up to 42.2% compared to the original model. At the same time, this sample meets high part deformation control values with a maximum part deformation of ±0.1 mm.
In the field of energy, we are deeply engaged in researching the application scenarios and manufacturing requirements of energy equipment components. For example, compared to traditional heat exchangers, our 3D printed metal heat exchanger reduced the weight and volume by over 90% and reduced the manufacturing cost by over 50%, the nuclear reactor heat exchanger we previously manufactured. These advantages increase the energy industry’s willingness to cooperate with HBD.
TCT: Like many industries, the AM industry has experienced some turbulence in recent years – how do you see the future of the industry in 2023?
CX: The additive manufacturing sector remains poised for further growth and innovation in 2023, despite the challenges of recent years. The increasing demand for lightweight, high-performance components, particularly in areas such as aerospace, manufacturing and consumer electronics, highlights the central role of AM in meeting these needs. Additionally, as technology advances continue, AM’s applications are expected to expand across a variety of industries, cementing its status as a transformative force within the broader spectrum of manufacturing.
TCT: What do you think is special about the additive manufacturing market in China?
CX: The additive manufacturing market in China is characterized by its unique mix of traditional manufacturing tradition and pioneering use of cutting-edge technologies. This particular ecosystem is characterized by a robust supply chain, a continuous industry-focused approach and an increasing focus on international market penetration.
However, I would also like to point out that although Chinese companies have made rapid progress in recent years, there are still many aspects in which they need to learn from additive manufacturing pioneers in other countries. Through joint efforts and mutual learning in the global industrial chain, we can jointly advance the development of additive manufacturing technology and create a green manufacturing future for the world.
