September 22, 2014 (PRNewswire). Sciaky Inc., a subsidiary of Phillips Service Industries Inc. (PSI) and provider of large-scale additive manufacturing solutions, announced today that it recently received a purchase order from Lockheed Martin Space Systems to provide a turnkey electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM) system. The EBAM system will help Lockheed Martin reduce time and cost on the production of titanium propulsion tanks.
On July 10, Sciaky announced the availability of EBAM systems to the marketplace. The Lockheed Martin order is the second multi-million dollar order from a major global manufacturing company since the announcement. In addition, Sciaky is working with over a dozen other companies and entities within the aerospace, defense, and manufacturing sectors to provide EBAM systems for their unique needs.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems designs, develops, tests, manufactures, and operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for national security, civil, and commercial customers. Chief products include human space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing, navigation, meteorological, and communications satellites and instruments; space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft; laser radar; fleet ballistic missiles; and missile defense systems.
Sciaky's EBAM process combines computer-aided design (CAD), electron-beam manufacturing technology and layer-additive processing. Starting with a 3D model from a CAD program, Sciaky's fully-articulated, moving electron beam gun deposits metal (via wire feedstock), layer by layer, until the part reaches near-net shape. From there, the near-net shape part requires minor post-production machining. The 110″ x 110″ x 110″ (L x W x H) build envelope of the EBAM system will allow Lockheed Martin to produce large titanium parts, with virtually no waste.
“Sciaky is proud to partner with a progressive leader like Lockheed Martin Space Systems,” said Mike Riesen, general manager of Sciaky Inc. “Sciaky's EBAM technology will help Lockheed Martin significantly reduce material costs, lead times, and machining times.”
Besides offering innovative additive manufacturing solutions for metal parts, Sciaky provides state-of-the-art electron beam and advanced arc-welding systems, as well as job shop/contract welding services, for manufacturers in the aerospace, defense, automotive, and healthcare industries. Sciaky's welding equipment meets rigid military specifications to manufacture items such as airframes, landing gear, jet engines, guided missiles and vehicle parts.