Velo3D Sapphire XC — Technical data

The Sapphire XC is the second generation of Velo3D systems. It was announced in October 2020 and delivered from late 2021. Compared with the Sapphire, the cylindrical build volume grows to 600 mm in diameter and 550 mm in height, and eight 1 kW lasers work instead of two. Optics, recoater, gas flow and monitoring come from the smaller system. In 2023 Velo3D quoted a build rate of up to 400 cm³ per hour; the current manufacturer page states up to 800 cm³. Buyers are mainly in space, defence and energy.

At around 7.45 tonnes and a footprint of 8.53 × 3.35 m, the XC is a system for factory halls with a crane or wide access. Inspection starts with whether build module, build plates and all auxiliary equipment are fully included in the offer. With eight lasers, operating hours and calibration effort add up, so look closely at service reports, protective windows and filters. Software, parameter sets and a service contract with Velo3D should be agreed before buying, as the company is still loss-making and reports doubts about its future.