Sciaky, Inc., a world-renowned supplier of electron beam, advanced arc and resistance welding systems, as well as a trusted provider of extensive contract welding services, will showcase its exclusive Direct Manufacturing (DM) process at the AeroMat 2011 Conference and Exposition. The DM process, which employs Additive Manufacturing (AM) methodology, utilizes Sciaky's state-of-the art electron beam welding technology to produce functional prototypes and production parts at a fraction of the cost of traditional manufacturing methods. Starting with a 3D model from a CAD program, Sciaky's fully-articulated, moving electron beam gun deposits metal, layer by layer, until the part is complete, and ready for finish machining. Depending on the part being manufactured, deposition rates can range from 15 to 40 pounds of metal per hour.

Currently, Sciaky's DM process is the only commercially-available, large-scale, fully-programmable means of achieving near-net shape parts.

"Sciaky has a long, successful track record of meeting rigid specifications to manufacture critical items like airframes, landing gear, jet engines, guided missiles and vehicle parts," said Mike Riesen, General Manager of Sciaky, Inc. "Sciaky's DM is a perfect fit for aerospace manufacturers who want to save money, as well as improve part design and manufacturing processes."