Additive and Subtractive manufacturing. The all-in-one gantry solution
As a result of the partnership between Belotti and CEAD comes BEAD, the hybrid technology that integratesLarge Format Additive Manufacturing with the milling process in a single machining center.
BEAD exploits the best of both processes 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 extensive and constantly evolving: 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
Available in different configurations with variable build volumes, extrusion outputs and printing orientations, BEAD finds application in many industrial sectors, allowing to produce models and production tools (jigs, moulds, moulds for autoclave and master model for mould lamination) 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
Integration of additive and milling processes in a single, hybrid machining center.
5-axis printing of complex shapes and 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 printed material.
Extrusion output from 12 kg/h to 80 kg/h to satisfy the needs of different application sectors and related print volumes.
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).
Tool changer from 8 to 60 positions.
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.
Suitable materials range from commodity plastics (PP, PETG…) to high-performance polymers (PESU, PEEK…); moreover, the thermoplastic nature of the matrix, as opposed to thermosetting polymers, allows for its recovery and reuse, making the production process even more sustainable, not only in terms of cost, but also from the environmental point of view.
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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Manual labour elimination for a more automated process: from digital model to mould without going through model making.
Lower investment and space optimization as compared to adopting individual technologies.
Shorter lead times and reduced production costs: with 3D printing it’s possible to carry out complex and optimized geometries with the highest accuracy.
More efficient production through better use of materials and a lower scrap rate.
Greater sustainability thanks to the use of reusable and recyclable materials.
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.
