Colibrium Additive – a GE Aerospace company –launched Spectra M yesterday at the Rapid + TCT events in Los Angeles. This latest addition to its Spectra portfolio of electron beam melting (EB-PBF) metal 3D printers printers is a response to additive manufacturers interested in a smaller build volume, the company says.
Its smaller build volume makes the Spectra M an attractive entry option for additive users in the medical and orthopedic implant industry looking to further reduce cost-per-part and additive production costs, according to Colibrium, which is already one of the biggest names in EBM technology. When US industry giant General Electric acquired the lone wolf Arcam AB and its EBM machines in 2016 it kept the Arcam name until April 2024, when GE launched a stand-alone additive manufacturing division called Colibrium Additive.
The Spectra M joins the company’s three other EMB machines: Q10plus, Spectra L, and Spectra H. The M version with a build volume of Ø270 x 430 mm is actually larger than the Q10plus, which the company says is also for the cost-effective production of orthopedic implants.
The difference between the M and the Q10plus is a new cylindrical build chamber in the M and a more powerful bean (4.5 kW vs. 3 kW). The Spectra M is designed to process Ti6Al4V Grade 5 and Grade 23, like its big brother, the Spectra L, also with a 4.5 kW electron beam.
“Having the largest installed base of highly experienced, long-standing users provides invaluable insight and help is constantly evolving our portfolio to provide EB-PBF technologies that fulfil their specific requirements as they continue to scale their additive manufacturing operations. Spectra M is in direct response to constant dialogue with our customers, particularly those additive super users in the orthopedic implant industry,” says Oscar Angervall, senior product manager, Colibrium Additive.
The Spectra M comes equipped with EBMControl 6.4, also launched at RAPID + TCT 24, and is fully compatible with Point Melt, Powder Supports, and Plate Free technology. Depending on their application, customers can choose between a high productivity theme or an advanced Point Melt-based process theme, to enables support-free printing without compromising surface roughness or mechanical properties, the company says.
Spectra M Tech Specs & Price
- Technology: Metal Electron Beam Melting (EB-PBF)
- Build Volume: Ø270 x 430 mm.
- Beam Power: 4.5 kW
- Materials: Ti6Al4V Grade 5 and Ti6Al4V Grade 23
The Spectra M can be ordered now, with first deliveries expected in early Q1 2025.
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