ABSTRACT
Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS), is perhaps the first “true” direct-metal rapid prototyping (RP) system, in that parts are full strength metals upon removing them from the machine. Developed by Sandia National Laboratories and various industry members on a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), the LENS process uses virgin metal powders, per the user’s preference, as build materials. The LENS 750 (12" × 12" × 12") and LENS 850 (18" × 18 × 42") systems are manufactured and sold by Optomec Design Company in Albuquerque, NM.
