New Metal AM Machine to Debut at Formnext 2026
The Flying Ray S uses a moving optics system to ensure a constant laser angle for improved industrial part consistency.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Robotics
Live Poll
Will advancements in laser technology significantly improve industrial manufacturing quality standards by 2027?
Kurtz Ersa is set to debut its Flying Ray S metal additive manufacturing machine at the Formnext 2026 exhibition in November 2026. This research-stage system utilizes a moving optics architecture to maintain a consistent laser angle across the build surface.
Why it matters
The machine aims to address build-position dependency, a common hurdle in industrial additive manufacturing where laser strike conditions change depending on the part location. By standardizing these conditions, the architecture seeks to simplify process transfer and quality qualification.
The Flying Ray S features a 400 W fiber laser and a 250 x 250 x 350 mm build volume, with an optional dual-laser configuration. Performance relies on the in-house Fuse-IQ build processor to manage the optics system.
The players
Kurtz Ersa
A German manufacturer of industrial equipment focusing on electronics production, molding machines, and now additive manufacturing systems.
The details
The Flying Ray Pivot mechanism utilizes a combination of linear and rotational motion to move the beam-deflection unit across the build plate. By integrating a stiff structure with optimized inertia distribution and specialized motor technology, the system keeps the laser angle of incidence constant at all times. This moving optics approach prevents the geometric variations often seen when static galvo-scanners project at oblique angles toward the edges of a build plate.
Timeline
November 2026: World premiere of the Flying Ray S at Formnext 2026.
The Tech Race
Additive manufacturing providers are increasingly moving away from static laser-steering toward dynamic optics to improve precision in large-scale builds. This machine follows the trajectory of high-end industrial systems that prioritize consistent beam quality to ensure repeatability for regulated sectors.
Industrial manufacturers and engineers will be able to inspect the machine in person at Formnext 2026. Future iterations are expected to support Inconel and titanium alloys, potentially expanding the machine's utility beyond the currently supported 316L stainless steel.
The takeaway
The Flying Ray S represents an effort to standardize laser parameters across the entire build area to make industrial qualification easier. Watch for the official performance benchmarks released at Formnext in November 2026 to see if the hardware meets the stated goals for process transferability.
Further reading
For broader trends in automated manufacturing, see the Robotics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Metal Additive Manufacturing.
Live Poll
Will advancements in laser technology significantly improve industrial manufacturing quality standards by 2027?
