Renishaw announced its latest machines for the additive manufacturing market. The company develops machines for Selective Laser Melting (SLM)–an additive manufacturing process that produces dense metal parts direct from 3D CAD using a high-powered fiber laser. Parts are built from a range of fine metal powders that are fully melted in a tightly controlled atmosphere layer by layer in thicknesses ranging from 20 to 100 microns.
These latest machines, the SLM250 and the SLM125, are third generation. Key features include variable powder delivery, ultra low oxygen content in the build atmosphere and a safe change filter system to minimize user materials contact. Both feature vacuum technology and low gas consumption. Operators interface with the machines through a touch-screen and various menu options.
Consumables costs are minimized through careful design and features, such as the soft re-coater blade that can be rotated several times before replacement and the use of low-cost filter elements, right through to low gas consumption.
Renishaw’s SLM systems have always processed a wide selection of materials. The SLM125 offers the additional benefit of rapid materials changeover through a cassette type materials delivery system, and the removable hopper, which is particularly useful where materials development or a range of materials are in use. The capability to safely process reactive materials, such as titanium and aluminum, is a standard feature. In particular, the gas knife that clears away reactive sooty emissions and the heated build plate are both pre-requisites for the successful processing of both materials.
Both machines feature a fully welded vacuum chamber, enabling low-pressure evacuation followed by a recharge with high purity argon gas. The gas consumption rate, after the initial chamber flood, is extremely low, and allows operation at oxygen concentrations below 50 parts per million; a crucial factor when processing reactive materials such as titanium and aluminum, and contributing significantly to material integrity and mechanical performance.
All file preparation is completed off-line through a choice of interface, either Marcam Autofab software or via Materialise Magics. Once complete, the build file is uploaded to the machine via a secure network or direct connection. Product traceability has been improved by the addition of process data and event logging as standard, with various additional process control options on request.
Renishaw
www.renishaw.com
