Tomorrow, BLT will proudly unveil its upgraded BLT-S600 at Airshow China 2024. As the quintessence of BLT’s technological expertise, the latest version of BLT-S600 not only preserves the high efficiency and stability of its predecessor but also achieves breakthrough upgrades across multiple dimensions.

Since BLT began its research and development in 2014, the BLT-S600 series (BLT-S600/S615) has established itself in the metal additive manufacturing industry with its outstanding performance. In 2016, BLT-S600’s first engineered application, the aero-engine turbine casing, made its debut at Airshow China, marking it as the world’s largest rotary-type part at that time. Today, after numerous iterations, hundreds of units of the BLT-S600 series have been installed globally, widely applied in aerospace, engine, automotive, and other industries to facilitate high-quality, efficient, safe, and intelligent mass production of large-size, complex precision parts.

Highlight 1: Large-format Multi-laser System for Enhanced Printing Efficiency

The build dimensions of the upgraded BLT-S600 have been expanded to 650mm × 650mm × 850mm (W×D×H), and the build volume has increased by 1.66 times, meeting the manufacturing demands for even larger parts. Additionally, the upgraded BLT-S600 can be configured with up to 16 lasers, enhancing efficiency by 3.45 times compared to the four-laser configuration, providing robust support for efficient, high-precision manufacturing of large metal components.

Furthermore, the BLT-S600 utilizes single-recoater double-direction powder spreading technology, significantly reducing the time required for recoater installation and leveling. It intelligently adjusts the powder spreading strategy based on part geometry, implementing variable-speed powder spreading. Compared to traditional constant-speed powder spreading methods, this approach improves efficiency by nearly 30%, achieving enhancement in both powder spreading quality and efficiency.

Highlight 2: Build Cylinder for Integral Forming, Improved Production Reliability

The BLT-S600 employs a build cylinder for 3D printing integral forming which has undergone structural optimization, significantly enhancing cylinder strength and effectively avoiding issues of poor sealing and weakened mechanical performance associated with assembled cylinders. The build platform supports uniform preheating up to 100°C with precise temperature control to prevent
cylinder deformation due to heat, ensuring stable and safe production.

The BLT-S600 incorporates high-strength, corrosion-resistant metal printed parts, not only enhancing its integration level and but also demonstrating its excellent reliability and durability in complex industrial environments.

Highlight 3: Intelligent Detection Function, Enhanced Forming Quality

BLT-S600 integrates multiple intelligent technologies to improve forming quality, including powder spreading detection, scanning detection, and production monitoring. These technologies provide a data foundation for quality control and traceability throughout the printing process.

The powder spreading detection function can intelligently identify and address abnormalities, achieving a powder shortage detection rate of over 99% under normal production conditions. Currently, BLT-S600 is equipped with an upgraded defect detection self-learning platform, which allows users to train recognition models based on specific production scenarios, thereby ensuring high-quality production intelligently. The scanning detection feature, leveraging layer-by-layer scanning and 3D reconstruction technology, can quickly and accurately locate high-risk areas, ensuring part precision and consistency. Additionally, the production monitoring system can not only collect real-time data but also automatically record the status of the build chamber, further enhancing transparency and traceability of the production process.

Highlight 4: Gas and Powder Saving with Self-Circulation, Economic and Eco-Friendly Upgrade

The BLT-S600 leads the industry in sustainable trends with multiple energy-efficient features. Compared to similar products on the market, its gas consumption is significantly lower: the intake is under 5L/min under operating pressure. Additionally, the optical lens cleaning duration is up to 700 hours, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted forming. The BLT-S600 features a long-life filtration system made from flame-retardant materials, which automatically performs backflushing during the printing process. The filtration area is matched with the build format and laser configuration to maximize resource utilization. Besides, the optimized filtration solutions can avoid downtime risks from filter element backflushing or ash bin treatment, ensuring continuous printing while minimizing economic and labor costs.

In terms of automatic powder circulation, the BLT-S600 offers high compatibility, allowing users to select between modular or integrated powder circulation systems based on production needs. The modular powder circulation system supports flexible, one-to-many configurations, thus saving space; while the integrated system offers a streamlined solution for powder sieving, recycling, and supplying within a single unit, minimizing energy consumption and resource dispersion in multi-machine operations.

Highlight 5: User-Friendly HMI for Upgraded Safety and Convenience

The upgraded BLT-S600 significantly improves user experience with optimized HMI (human-machine interaction) and enhanced safety. The gas unit door has been upgraded with a transparent observation window, allowing users to monitor the gas circuit panel data without opening the door. The transfer station is equipped with a pedal-operated Z-axis lifting mechanism for smoother part transfer and cleaning. Additionally, the BLT-S600 features a foldable touch display, with space-saving storage design that enhances user autonomy and comfort. In addition to the main system, its auxiliary powder supplying machine can also be remotely controlled, effectively reducing labor intensity, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring safety.

The BLT-S600 simplifies complex production processes through intelligent hardware and software coordination, greatly increasing operational efficiency. The system supports one-click operations for tasks such as printing preparation, part transfer, galvanometer auto-calibration, and powder circulation. With BLT-AutoCAL, a multi-galvanometer automatic calibration product, calibration accuracy can reach within 0.05mm. When paired with the BLT-MES system, users can link disparate production steps into a highly integrated intelligent chain, thereby supporting the vision of a modern “dark factory”.

BLT adheres to the people-oriented design philosophy, committed to protecting workers’ occupational health. The BLT-S600’s powder-handling areas utilize explosion-proof components coupled with an oxygen monitoring system to ensure a stable inert environment, effectively mitigating explosion risks while expanding the range of material processing. Its laser protective glass and safety interlock mechanism effectively prevent laser leakage, safeguarding operators from radiation. Furthermore, safety designs such as emergency stop switches, grounding protection, and pressure and temperature monitoring combine to create a robust safety system.

At Airshow China 2024, the BLT-S600 will perform real-time printing on site. For more exciting details, visit us at booth H5B12!