NUBURU, a specialist in industrial high-power blue laser technology, announced the successful completion of the AFWERX Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract awarded to the company by the U.S. Air Force in 2022. NUBURU, with support from GE Additive, successfully demonstrated blue laser-based 3D printing solutions using surface printing technology.
The demonstration, which involved shaping a blue laser beam with a digital micromirror device (DMD) to print a stainless steel part, represents a milestone in the development of a 3D printing light engine for integration into large-scale additive manufacturing systems. In addition, NUBURU and GE Additive signed a co-development agreement in June 2023 to accelerate the development of this print engine technology, which promises improved speed and accuracy for laser-based additive manufacturing processes.
Brian Knaley, CEO of NUBURU commented: “We are excited to announce that we have successfully demonstrated the ability to print in metal with a scalable blue laser DMD architecture that will allow much faster printing speeds, as well as lower defect density than today’s 3D metal printers. Achieving this milestone is critical to accelerate the implementation of blue laser technology into large scale additive manufacturing systems for defense, aerospace and several other critical markets.”
The development and application of blue laser technology in 3D printing offers the potential to significantly increase efficiency and precision in metal additive manufacturing. This advance could revolutionize a wide range of industries by opening up new possibilities in production and design. NUBURU and GE Additive are leading a wave of innovation that pushes the boundaries of current 3D printing technologies and sets new standards in industrial manufacturing.
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