Key Takeaways
- FS722M delivers a 720 × 420 × 650 mm build volume—about 30 % larger than the FS721M series.
- Eight 1 kW fiber lasers enable up to 1 000 cm³/h volumetric throughput, ideal for high‑mix, low‑batch production.
- The CAMS (Cartridge‑Based Automated Material System) separates part removal from the build chamber, cutting non‑printing time by up to 40 % in tested workflows.
- Integrated closed‑loop powder handling keeps the feedstock in an inert environment, reducing contamination risk and maintenance to a single dust‑bin emptying per shift.
- Designed for series production, the platform combines digital optics, adaptive scanning strategies, and a refreshed recoater to guarantee repeatable part quality across the entire build plate.
Farsoon Launches the FS722M – A Large‑Format Metal PBF System Built for Production
Farsoon Technologies has expanded its metal powder‑bed fusion (PBF) portfolio with the FS722M, a machine positioned for serial manufacturing where uptime, repeatability, and cost per part are critical metrics. The new system inherits the core architecture of the FS721M and FS721M‑H models while adding capacity, laser power, and a novel cartridge workflow.
Large‑Format Build Envelope & Multi‑Laser Speed
| Specification | FS721M / FS721M‑H | FS722M |
|---|---|---|
| Build volume (mm) | 600 × 350 × 500 | 720 × 420 × 650 |
| Number of lasers | 4 × 1 kW | 8 × 1 kW |
| Max volumetric rate* | ~500 cm³/h | ≈1 000 cm³/h |
| Typical part height limit | 500 mm | 650 mm |
| Supported materials | 316L, Ti‑6Al‑4V, Inconel 718 | Same + expanded alloy library |
*Rate varies with material, layer thickness, and scan strategy.
The rectangular build area of the FS722M accommodates elongated automotive brackets, large tooling inserts, and machine‑tool components that exceed the dimensions of earlier Farsoon models. With eight high‑power lasers operating in parallel, the system can theoretically double the build speed of its predecessor, assuming optimal laser utilization and material‑specific energy density.
Process Consistency for Serial Production
Farsoon has upgraded three core subsystems to tighten process control:
- Digital optics & customizable scan paths – Operators can program region‑specific strategies (e.g., contour‑first, island‑first) to balance melt pool stability and surface finish.
- Multi‑layer gas flow architecture – A refreshed inert gas distribution network reduces spatter and promotes uniform temperature across the build plate.
- Recoat blade redesign – The new blade offers smoother powder spreading, lowering layer‑thickness variation to < ± 15 µm across the full 720 mm width.
These enhancements aim to keep part‑to‑part variation within ± 5 % for critical dimensions—a threshold often required for aerospace and medical‑device series runs.
CAMS: Decoupling Part Handling from the Build Chamber
The Cartridge‑Based Automated Material System (CAMS) introduces interchangeable build cartridges that travel on a conveyor between the printer and an external loading dock. The workflow proceeds as follows:
- Load a fresh cartridge onto the printer.
- Print the job while a second cartridge is staged.
- Transfer the completed cartridge to an inert breakout station for part extraction, cleaning, and post‑processing.
By moving removal and preparation steps out of the build chamber, Farsoon reports a 30‑40 % reduction in overall cycle time for typical batch sizes (10‑30 parts). The actual gain depends on the customer's automation level and cartridge exchange cadence.
Closed‑Loop Powder Management & Minimal Maintenance
The FS722M‑CAMS variant incorporates a fully sealed powder loop:
- Recycling: Spent powder is sieved and returned to the feed bin without exposure to ambient air.
- Filtration: An in‑line filter removes particles > 45 µm, extending powder life by up to 20 %.
- Storage: Fresh and recycled powders reside in a nitrogen‑purged vault, maintaining oxygen levels < 0.1 %.
Routine service is limited to emptying a single dust bin per shift, a stark contrast to conventional PBF systems that often require weekly cleaning of multiple subsystems.
Bottom Line
The FS722M represents Farsoon’s most ambitious step into high‑volume metal additive manufacturing. Its expanded build envelope, eight‑laser architecture, and cartridge‑based workflow collectively address the three pillars of production‑grade PBF: throughput, repeatability, and low total cost of ownership. Companies targeting automotive, aerospace, or heavy‑industry components will find a machine that can scale from prototype to series production without sacrificing part quality or operational efficiency.