"For every layer, we check whether the laser is correctly aligned and inspect the position and focus." Because the optical unit positions itself at a micron accuracy, potential deviations due to thermal drift of the machine can be prevented. Customers of the Dutch machine builder may also select the PrintRite3D package of Sigma Labs. Using this package, one can monitor the buildup process in realtime.
Meltpool control Additive Industries has decided to integrate all modules into a single machine. A robot on the rear side takes care of the handling.
the users. Furthermore, the system is fully open, so that other systems and machines may also be connected. The next step the company wants to take is to use big data to analyze the many process parameters and potentially adapt the process to these data. Furthermore, Additive Industries has integrated automatic calibration in the MetalFAB1. This system calibrates both the focus of the lasers and the position of the laser spot. Marc Vaes:
Renishaw: integrating 3D printing into the existing product line
EOS has expanded the existing quality monitoring system with Eostate MeltPool process control. The basis of this system comes from checking the laser welding. Together with partner Plasmo Industrietechnik, EOS has adapted the algorithm to the laser melting of the metal powder. Per printed element, the system (two photo diodes and a camera and signal amplifier) detects whether or not the melting process meets the requirements. Users can set up the accuracy per print job.
Q modules
For a long time now, Concept Laser offers multiple quality modules for its machines, partly to monitor the state of the powder and gas and the recoating process. QM Meltpool is the most essential module. Concept Laser uses a special camera during the melting process per square mm. This is a highresolution camera with a frequency of 10 Khz. This guarantees lots of data, which are analyzed in realtime. In the future, Concept Laser aims to introduce an adaptive process by having the machine adapt itself to the data made available through various quality systems.
SLM Solutions: multilasers
This is what a future 3D printer line at a supplier looks like according to Renishaw's vision. The 3D metal printer, used for printing one type of material, is integrated into a row of measuring and milling machines for a complete product line.
On the road towards production applications, Renishaw has taken a different path with its new 3D metal printer: the AM 500. Powder handling and laser melting are integrated into a single machine. However, the machine contains two containers, one for new powder and one for recycled powder (which is automatically recycled in the machine). As a consequence, less powder is required. More importantly, the quality of the work pieces improves because there is a constant stream of new and recycled powder available. As a result, the quality of the material flow remains the same. In doing so, Renishaw also increases the length of time that the machine can actively print. The machine is also equipped with a double filter system, so that the filter can be changed during printing. To increase accuracy, the AM 500 has an optical unit using Renishaw's own technology, such as encoders for accuracy positioning. Renishaw's vision on the step from prototype to AM for production is reflected in the machine concept of the AM 500. Philippe Reinders Folmer, director of Renishaw Benelux says: "We believe in an additive manufacturing line in which the printer is integrated into a row of measuring and post-processing machines. We also expect that companies will choose for a mono material strategy: one material per printer, which ensures optimum production." www.renishaw.com
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SLM Solutions allows for the manual transport of the construction board to the post-processing location. The North German manufacturer especially focuses on the development of multilaser technologies and process control. SLM Solutions offers a total of four laser sources in a machine. This Qua laser in the SLM 500 HL reduces build-up time by up to 80%. The smaller machines - the SLM 280 HL and SLM 500 HL - can now also be equipped with a 700 W lasers, reducing the printing time in these stand-alone machines.
More information
Additive Industries www.additiveindustries.com Concept Laser www.conceptlaser.de / www.landrĂŠ.nl EOS www.eos.info / www.benderam.nl SLM Solutions www.stage.slm-solutions.com
Concept Laser has unveiled the AM factory of the future.
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