At Formnext 2023, ADDiTEC showcased its Liquid Metal Jetting technology for the first time following the acquisition of Elem Additive from Xerox earlier in the year. The new Hybrid 3 system, which includes Laser Directed Energy Deposition (LDED) technology and CNC machining, was launched at the show.

During a visit to the ADDiTEC booth, TCT examined the technology more closely. Sriram Manoharan, R&D Program Manager at ADDiTEC, explained that the Liquid Metal Jetting process involves welding wire into a crucible with an induction heating mechanism to melt the wire. Electromagnetic forces then generate a pulse, which produces droplets. This process offers the advantage of high-resolution parts.

Manoharan also discussed the benefits of LDED technology, which provides high deposition rates. He mentioned that combining these two technologies offers two key advantages: a geometric advantage, allowing for high-deposition infills with liquid metal jetting and high-resolution perimeters with laser wire DED, and a CNC operation can be used for surface finishing.