CREATE DURABLE, LASTING PARTS IN METAL

Additive layer manufacturing, or 3D printing as it is commonly known, is a process which produces a 3D component from a CAD file. The process involves building the component up, layer by layer. It has applications across various sectors of industry including medical & dentistry, aerospace, defence, automotive, tool manufacturing, jewellery and many more. From prototypes to end used parts, metal additive manufacturing can be more efficient and less expensive than traditional metal processing techniques. Additive manufacturing allows the possibility to produce tool free, highly complex components. Many of the components now being produced via additive manufacturing would be impossible to manufacture using traditional methods.

Metal 3D printing highlights

At Laser Lines we offer Selective Laser Melting to print components in metal. This is capable of producing near net shape parts.

Selective laser melting, also known as Metal Powder-Bed Fusion, is the process of melting and fusing metallic powder layer by layer on the printer bed, in order to form parts. After each layer is fused, the part is moved down so that the next one can be created. Parts created in this way have nearly 100% density.

The process begins with the creation of a 3D CAD model. The system software then slices the CAD model into a number of layers.

There are a wide range of metal materials available, including Aluminium, Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Nickel and Titanium.

The benefits of metal 3D printing

The ability to build, light weight structures with the use of a lattice design.
The capability of producing complex parts in one process thus reducing the need for assembly operations like welding or brazing.
Ability to customise and create unique, individual products.
The potential to create end use parts thus reducing time from concept to market
Only use the material you require, reducing material cost and part weight. unlike traditional manufacturing excess material is recycled for use during the next build.