Additive technology developer GE Additive has unveiled the first beta machine developed as part of its Project Additive Technology Large Area System (A.T.L.A.S.) program. Project A.T.L.A.S. is GE Additive’s company-wide program to develop the next generation of large additive machines. This first beta machine was developed in just nine months and complements the company’s existing portfolio of products. The meter-class, laser powder bed fusion machine has been developed to provide manufacturers of large parts and components with a scalable solution that can be configured and customized to their own specific industry applications. “Irrespective of industry, every customer has its own specific needs and its own unique levels of complexity,” said Mohammad Ehteshami, vice president and general manager of GE Additive. ”We regularly hear that next-generation machines need to be customizable and configurable. The new meter-class machine we’re debuting at formnext is our response to that feedback — a solution that is scalable and customizable and meets the needs of our industry as it matures. Ideally suited to industries that require large complex metal parts such as aviation, automotive, space and oil and gas industries, the new beta machine builds on technology previously developed by GE, combined with Concept Laser’s expertise in laser additive machines. The first few beta machines are currently being evaluated by a small group of customers and will be available for delivery in 2018. The machine features a scalable architecture that can increase the Z axis to 1 m and beyond. Well suited for large components with high resolution and complex geometries such as aerospace-class parts, the machine incorporates the latest laser technology and the ability to be reconfigured to incorporate additional lasers, as well as discrete dosing to save on powder and cost. GE Additive is a provider of 3D printers, materials and engineering consulting.