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Mitsui Seiki and TechSolve will host a public unveiling and demonstration of the Blue Arc machining technology May 9-10, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The technology was developed by GE and Mitsui Seiki to quickly and efficiently produce superalloy parts.

Originally launched at IMTS 2016, Blue Arc is an electro-erosion metal removal method designed to quickly rough cut tough superalloys like Inconel and titanium. High-amperage, low-voltage electric energy between the electrode tool and the workpiece melts portions of the workpiece, and a high-pressure system flushes away the molten material. The process uses low force, enabling higher feeds and speeds. This method is is said, on average, to be four to five times faster than conventional milling processes.

“We plan on running several demos throughout the two days showing how Blue Arc cuts Inconel and titanium quickly and efficiently,” says Mitsui Seiki CEO Robb Hudson. “We’ll also relay the unique collaboration story between Mitsui Seiki and GE as an example of how to bring process innovations to manufacturers; the current state of Blue Arc technology; its future direction; and practical applications for it.”

“Blue Arc aligns well with TechSolve’s mission to identify emerging manufacturing technologies, especially unconventional machining processes and scaling or translating the technology from the laboratory to the plant floor,” says TechSolve CEO David Linger. “TechSolve’s talented scientists, engineers, machinists and business advisors will learn and master the new technology with the goal of educating companies that will benefit from the innovation and shrinking their learning curve.”

The machine that attendees will see at the event is a hybrid that can perform both Blue Arc electro-erosion and conventional machining in one platform.