Velo3D Sapphire — Technical data

The Sapphire is the first metal powder bed system from California-based Velo3D and was first delivered in 2018. Two 1 kW lasers work in a cylindrical build volume 315 mm in diameter and 400 mm high. Shallow overhangs and internal channels are meant to be built without supports, helped by a non-contact recoater, measurement of every powder layer and regulated gas flow. Velo3D quotes up to 100 cm³ per hour. From 2021, Sapphire Gen 2 was a retrofittable hardware and software package, not a new model.

Used, the Sapphire is the smallest Velo3D system, yet according to the manufacturer it weighs almost three tonnes. Before buying, establish whether the Gen 2 package is fitted, how many laser hours have accrued and what state the recoater, protective windows and filters are in. Whether licences for Flow and Assure transfer and a maintenance contract is available should be settled in writing. Velo3D has ended upgrades and maintenance contracts for some older printers and, despite new funding, still reports doubts about its ability to continue as a going concern.