Advertising in MoldMaking Technology offers
Issue link: https://mmt.epubxp.com/i/139010
Rapid Prototyping, Tooling & Manufacturing Pages 13 to 18 Additive Manufacturing Systems Renishaw's new laser melting additive-metal manufacturing process is capable of producing fully dense metal parts direct from 3D CAD data using a high-powered fiber laser. Parts are built layer by layer, in thicknesses ranging from 20 to 100 microns, using a range of fine metal powders that are fully melted in a tightly controlled atmosphere. The current range of machines utilizes a third-generation design representing state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. Key features include variable powder delivery, ultra low oxygen content in the build atmosphere, and an unparalleled safe-change filter system to minimize user contact with materials. Two systems are available: the AM125 and the AM250, both of which feature vacuum technology and low gas consumption. Both utilize "machine tool" engineering in design, operation, and serviceability, emphasizing ruggedness and ease of operation. The touch-screen operator interface includes menu options for machine preparation and clean down. Consumable costs are minimized through features such as the soft re-coater blade that can be rotated several times before replacement, use of low-cost filter elements, and low gas consumption—all of which improve system reliability and cost of ownership. Renishaw additive-metal systems process a wide variety of materials, including 316L and 17-4PH SS, H13 tool steel, aluminum Al-Si-12, titanium CP, Ti-6Al-4V and 7Nb, cobalt-chrome (ASTM75), and Inconel 718 and 625. Both sys- tems are designed for rapid material changeover, with the AM125 utilizing a cassette type materials delivery system and the AM250 a removable hopper—particularly useful for materials development or use of a range of materials. To enhance productivity, a valve interlock on the AM250 allows addition of extra powder while the process is running. Safe processing of reactive materials, such as titanium and aluminum, is ensured with features such as a gas knife that clears away reactive, sooty emissions, and a heated build plate. The AM125 provides a part-build volume of 125 x 125 x 125 mm (X-Y-Z), and the AM250 provides 250 x 250 x 300 mm (X-Y-Z) with Z axis extendable to 360 mm. Both have build rates of 5 to 20 cm3 per hour, dependent on the material, part density and geometry. The AM125 offers a choice of 100 or 200 W laser, and the AM250 a 200 or 400 W laser. For more information from Renishaw of Hoffman Estates, IL, phone 847-286-9953 or visit renishaw.com Resin for Small-Volume Aerospace Parts Ultem 9085 resin from the Innovative Plastics business of Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC) is formulated to be strong, lightweight and flame-retardant, and it now is being used to help aerospace OEMs produce small-volume parts quickly and cost-effectively. Together with fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology from Stratasys Inc., the resin is enabling companies like Taylor-Deal Aviation LLC, based in Dallas, Texas, to create specialty parts in hours rather weeks. The Statasys FDM process creates 3D parts directly from computer-aided design files, layer by layer. According to SABIC, this combination of resin and FDM offers enhanced design flexibility; cost-effective low-production runs; accelerated cycle times; and compliance with Federal Aviation Administration flame, smoke and toxicity regulations. For more information from Stratasys Inc. of Eden Prairie, MN, phone 952-294-3447 or visit stratasys.com Partners Create Medical Products Using DMLS EOS has partnered with medical device manufacturer Innovative Medical Device Solutions (IMDS) to offer product development resources for metal additive manufacturing designs. Customers include implant companies and orthopedic and spine surgeons. According to IMDS, additive manufacturing in the medical device industry historically has been used to make prototypes. Recent advances such as increased material choices, enhanced precision and faster build speeds have made medical product developers more willing to invest in developing implants made by processes such as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), the company says. IMDS has added the latest-generation EOSINT M 280 DMLS system to its product development and manufacturing capabilities. For more information from EOS of North America Inc. of Novi, MI, phone 248-306-0143 or visit eos.info True Color 3D Printer Mcor Technologies Ltd. has a 3D printer with the most powerful color capability ever, the company states. Named after the goddess of the rainbow, the Mcor IRIS prints in more than one million hues simultaneously as it creates photo-realistic physical objects from 3D data. High-fidelity color is critical for many organizations in manufacturing, education, architecture, military and health care that need product prototypes, architectural studies, three-dimensional maps and medical models to improve sales, marketing, communication, treatment and logistics. While most "color" 3D printers print only a handful of colors—one at a time in solid patches—the IRIS delivers True Color, printing different hues simultaneously from a palette more than twice the size of its nearest competitor, including pure black. Mcor takes its unique color capability a major step further by rendering color as rich, vibrant and complex as it appears on a computer screen, the company reports. That's because the build material is paper, the original and natural medium for colored ink. The plaster employed by other 3D printers turns ink to mud, significantly altering intended hues. Other factors in IRIS color quality include: Mcor's patented 3D color ink, which permeates the entire part, not just the surface; printability on all surfaces, including undercuts and side walls; and, consistent color from part to part. For more information from MC Technologies Ltd. Co of Luth, Ireland, phone its U.S. office 770-619-9972 or visit mcortechnologies.com moldmakingtechnology.com 17