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This page was translated automatically using artificial intelligence (DeepL). The German version is binding. More information about automatic translation
The Laserinstitut Mittweida University of Applied Sciences (LHM) will be exhibiting at Rapid.Tech 3D in Erfurt, the trade fair for additive technologies, from 14 to 16 May 2024. Once again, the stand will focus on the very best in additive manufacturing: from high-precision 3D micro-printing to 3D Printing of large-volume metal components.
The LHM has further developed the established laser powder bed-based 3D Printing of metal components (also known as SLM or L-PBF) into the micro-scale, and a few years ago took a completely opposite direction, now also developing it further into the macro-scale.
3D Printing on a very small scale – high-precision additive manufacturing at the micro-scale
The micro-SLM process can be used to produce metallic or ceramic components with complex internal structures and moving features on the order of a few micrometres. It enables 3D printing of components with higher structural resolution, lower surface roughness and greater dimensional accuracy, using very fine powders with particle sizes of less than 10 µm and a laser spot size of approximately 30 µm. This makes it possible to produce precision components with structural resolutions of up to 30 µm and layer thicknesses of up to 5 µm. Compared with conventional SLM processes, this represents a four- to five-fold improvement in resolution. The surface roughness of the untreated components is already as low as Ra = 2.5 µm. Through subsequent glass bead blasting, the roughness can be reduced to Ra = 1.0 µm and, by means of dry electropolishing, even to Ra = 0.1 µm.
3D Printing on a grand scale – additive manufacturing of large-volume metal components
The macro-SLM process enables the production of bespoke metal components at extremely high build rates on a cubic-metre scale. By increasing the laser power, spot diameter, layer thickness and powder particle size, structural resolutions in the millimetre range are achieved, rather than the usual micrometre range. This, in turn, enables an enormous increase in the build rate of up to 10 kg/h. It thus resembles the structural resolutions and build rates found in cladding processes. However, the supporting powder bed offers the advantage of enabling more complex geometries to be realised. Macro-SLM therefore combines the best of both worlds: high design freedom coupled with high productivity. Using this new process, large-volume and complex components with near-final-contour shapes can be manufactured quickly and cost-effectively. Any required functional surfaces are created through subsequent machining. As a result, the process represents a genuine alternative to metal casting and milling.
Come and meet our additive manufacturing experts at our stand 2-419 and find out about our latest developments in the world of 3D Printing.
Use the code HSMittweida@rpt3D2024 via this link to get your free ticket. We look forward to seeing you there!
Text: Michael Pfeifer
Images: Laser Institute, Mittweida University of Applied Sciences