Page 36 - 3D Metal Printing Winter 2020

3D Largest formnext Yet
scalable for volume part production. Fea- tures include quick-swap build modules and rapid powder recycling to help speed production. A central server manages print jobs, materials, settings and main- tenance, enabling 24/7 productivity.
Also at formnext, Vyomesh I. Joshi, president and CEO of 3D Systems, detailed the company’s focus on healthcare, dental, aerospace, automotive and durables ver- tical markets. By the end of 2019, he reported, 3D Systems will have manufac- tured 200 million production parts, sig- naling AM’s rapid evolution from a one- off or prototype technology.
3D Systems: www.3dsystems.com
New Production Binder Jetting Machine
ExOne’s production version of the X1 25Pro metal 3D printer, featuring binder jetting technology, debuted at formnext. With build dimensions of 400 by 250 by 250 mm, it is large enough to accommo- date production of most metal parts manufactured today, according to com- pany officials. The new system now is positioned as the midsized model within ExOne’s growing family of metal 3D printers, also capable of 3D printing ceramics.
The X1 25Pro can binder jet a variety of metal, ceramic and composite fine pow- ders, courtesy of ExOne’s Triple Advanced Compaction technology, which reportedly enables consistent part density and repeatability across the entire build area.
To date, the X1 25PRO can print more than six metal alloys that have passed the company’s qualification process, includ- ing type 316L, 304L and 17-4PH stainless steels. On the fast track to qualification are other beta materials, including Inconel 718 and 625.
Also recently debuting, the company’s X1 160Pro, the 10th, and largest, metal 3D printer from ExOne. Also employing binder jetting technology, this printer offers a build area of 800 by 500 by 400 mm, totaling 160 L of build volume. Its open material system prints more than six metals, plus ceramics. ExOne: www.exone.com
Direct Metal Printing of Large Parts
Aurora Labs' Rapid Manufacturing Printer One (RMP-1), a direct metal laser melting (DMLM) AM machine, features Aurora’s Multi-layer Concurrent Printing (MCP) tech- nology. MCP allows for direct metal 3D printing at rates much faster than previously possible with the established sin-
gle-layer DMLM technology, accord- ing to company officials.
The RMP-1 features a build zone
of 450 mm dia. and 400 mm depth,
and employs multiple fiber lasers in
several power options with focus
diameters to a minimum of 70
microns. The multi-laser system
operates over multiple powder layers
in parallel, thus reportedly multi-
plying laser on-time and productiv-
ity as compared to non-MCP-
equipped DMLM systems. Other features: recirculating argon-gas-delivery system and integrated software to simple print setup and preprint validation.
The advantage of teaming MCP technology with DMLM technology is the reduced requirement for furnace treatments over metal injection molding technologies, according to company officials.
Materials compatible with the RMP-1 include types 316 L, 17-4ph, Inconel 718, Ti grade 1, Ti6Al4V grade 5, AlSi10Mg and AlSi7Mg.
Aurora Labs: www.auroralabs3D.com
Hardware, Software Modules Designed to Simplify AM-Build Workflow
EOS trumpeted EOS Shared Modules, consisting of various hardware and software modules, as a production-ready solution to simplify and parallelize both upstream and downstream workflow of the build process. Especially when operating multiple 3D printing systems, EOS Shared Modules enable manufacture of high-quality metal parts on an efficient, scalable, profitable basis, according to company officials. Look for Shared Modules to be available in the second half of 2020.
At formnext, the company demonstrated Shared Modules for integrating AM with EOS M 400-series systems, with the concept also offered for M 300-series systems in the future. The various modules and transport systems, along with control-center soft-
34 | 3D METAL PRINTING • WINTER 2020
3DMPmag.com
At formnext, EOS Global CEO Marie Langer discusses the company’s Shared Modules approach with Dr. Marco Nock, EOS director of innovation management. Langer, daughter of company founder Dr. Hans Langer, recently assumed the leadership position at EOS.
ware, enable users to implement equipping, unpacking, transporting and sieving activities parallel to the AM-build process.
As EOS Shared Modules components are set up individually and not as a combined unit, they simultaneously are available for multiple 3D printing systems. EOSConnect ControlCen- ter software provides users with a continuous flow of key production parameters and seam-
less part traceability by means of a digital twin. The reported result: significantly increased effi- ciency, particularly in series manufacturing. EOS: www.eos.info 3DMP
For much more on the technology displayed at formnext, visit the online version of this article at www.3dmpmag.com/formnext-19.