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Metal 3D printer
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Drawing out new manufacturing possibilities with
Material×Material
Increasing attention is being focused on the functions of metal 3D printers that deliver innovation to material development.
A metal 3D printer (powder bed type) forms a product by repeatedly using a laser to fuse powdered metal material and then rapidly cooling and hardening it. Utilizing this process, it is possible to create new materials which were never before possible in the world. This is done by utilizing combinations of metal materials that are not possible when using casting and conventional working methods.
For example, it can create alloy materials such as aluminum and ceramic, or iron and copper. The creation of materials with compound characteristics such as high strength and light weight produces new possibilities and gives us a look at a future where sustainable manufacturing is possible and is not dependent on rare metals and rare earth elements. A metal 3D printer can be described as a “mother machine” which contains the potential to change manufacturing from the materials at its foundation.
(Sodick product)
Zero anisotropy: @0° ≈ @90°
Tensile strength (TS): 500 MPa or higher
0.2% proof stress (PS): 500 MPa or higher
Elongation after fracture (EL): 10% or more
Fatigue limit (FL): 160 MPa or higher
(The above are representative values.)
Tensile strength (TS): 200 MPa
0.2% proof stress: 170 MPa
Elongation after fracture (EL): 15% or more
(The above are representative values.)
Successfully blends two metals which could not be combined before.
Expected to provide superior strength and thermal conductivity, and improve mold functions.
Features excellent heat check resistance and aluminum erosion resistance, and can be used to mold large products with stress relief technology (SRT).
Suspension parts
Steering knuckles
Lightweight oil cooler and radiator components
Mass production of plastic products
Expected to improve productivity for aluminum die-casting.
Not dependent on the machining method Allows designs that are focused on functions.
Based on the new idea of “building up” materials, one of the attractions of metal 3D printers is that they can produce structures that were difficult with conventional machining methods.
With conventional machining methods, in general multiple parts are produced and then they are combined to create the final product. Each part requires a special machine and an assembly process. However unlike the conventional assembly method, a metal 3D printer forms a product using the idea of melting a material metal powder and hardening it in layers. Therefore it is not dependent on the machining method and allows designs that are based on a functional approach.
This can result in a number of improvements, for example aggregate design of parts that incorporates cost reductions and streamlining of the design process itself.
The use of design created by AI functions (generative design) also allows a metal 3D printer to create optimal product designs with weight reductions, multi-function structures, and other improvements that humans had previously not thought of.
The designers can select from multiple optimized solutions to choose the one that best meets their needs.
Because a metal 3D printer does not require a mold, it is expected to be effective in efficiently producing a wide variety of products. For example, medical products such as artificial bones, which need to be adjusted to match the physical conditions of each individual, are one area where there are high expectations for the advantages of using metal 3D printers.
In addition, resolving the dilemma of mass waste resulting from mass production, and measures to support lowering costs by large-volume purchasing, will be indispensable factors for next-generation manufacturing.
Production methods utilizing the customization provided by metal 3D printers will lead to new production methods that can contribute to next-generation manufacturing by optimizing production quantities and reducing costs.
Manufacturing that can adapt flexibly to external factors
In order to maintain competitiveness at global standards, it is essential that we adapt flexibly to external factors.
Location
When aiming for production in a limited space, it is necessary to achieve that production with the minimum necessary equipment. A metal 3D printer can not only carry out production based on multiple conventional processes such as cutting, grinding, and polishing, but it is possible to consider using a single metal 3D printer to consolidate the entire production process.
People
By creating data from the expertise of talented designers and engineers, and from manufacturing conditions, trials have been carried out using metal 3D printers for manufacturing that is seamlessly connected online regardless of the country or region, and which continually updates the data expertise that it uses. Because operation is possible with a small number of personnel, this can also help contribute to reducing personnel costs.
Manufacturing without limits
Beginning from consolidating materials at the manufacturing site, the process of transporting manufactured products to the places where they will be used is affected by problems of CO2 emissions, and by conflict, disasters, and other factors. Metal 3D printers are gaining attention as machines that can resolve these problems from the new perspective of “manufacturing in the optimal location at the optimal time”. Their use is also expanding in disaster areas and in space applications where collecting construction materials is impossible and a manufacturing site is not available.
Related Exhibited Products
Award-winningLPM325S
Reducing non-operating time resulting from powder change work, maintenance, and other factors, and striving for even greater ease of use
* Be aware that the images shown here may differ somewhat from the actual products.NEWLPM450
Capable of machining large items: A large-size metal 3D printer combining all the technologies of a machine tool manufacturer and supporting high forming speeds
* Be aware that the images shown here may differ somewhat from the actual products.