Sapphire XC 1MZ

The Sapphire XC 1MZ is an SLM 3D printer from Velo3D with a 600 x 600 x 1000 mm build volume.

Specifications

Velo3D Sapphire XC 1MZ: Technical Specifications

Laser System

Eight 1 kW fiber lasers (8 kW total) with independent galvanometric scanners covering the full ⌀600 mm chamber diameter. Build rates up to 400% higher than the original Sapphire.

Optics / Scanner

Each laser has a dedicated galvo scanner. The patented non-contact recoater distributes powder via controlled airflow: preventing recoater-part collisions during multi-day builds.

Build Volume

Cylindrical chamber: ⌀600 mm × 1,000 mm height: 9× the volume of the original Sapphire, 2× the height of the Sapphire XC. Layer thickness: 30–90 µm.

Chamber / Shielding Gas.

Calibration

Calibration: Velo3D Sapphire XC 1MZ

Laser and Z-Axis Calibration

Flow verifies all eight lasers (<25 µm) and Z-linearity (<50 µm over 1,000 mm) before each build. For meter-scale parts, Z-drift is critical: never skip the full calibration sequence.

Powder Bed Monitoring for Long Builds

Assure analyses per-layer imagery during 60–120 hour builds. Schedule recoater inspections for builds exceeding 600 mm Z. Limit powder reuse to 3 cycles maximum for reactive alloys.

Common defects

Common Defects: Velo3D Sapphire XC 1MZ

Porosity During Long Builds

During 60–120 hr builds, powder quality can vary between reloads. Assure detects optical anomalies in real time: respond before a porous zone accumulates.

Solidification / Strain-Age Cracking

Residual stresses accumulated over 1,000 mm Z in Inconel 718 or Ti-6Al-4V can cause cracking. Apply stress relief heat treatment immediately after build, before base plate removal.

Z-Axis Dimensional Drift.

What it is used for

Use Cases: Velo3D Sapphire XC 1MZ

Monolithic Rocket Engine Bodies

The only LPBF machine capable of printing meter-scale rocket components without weld joints at pressures exceeding 100 bar. Proven with NewSpace industry customers.

Propellant Tanks and Cryogenic Structures.