SEAM has recently acquired a new 3D metal printing system as part of the government’s DTIF funding initiative. The EOS M100 is a highly specialised unit, which has a broad range of capabilities such as, the manufacture of high precision metallic parts from a wide range of materials such as titanium, magnesium alloys, platinum, gold and many others. As part of the DTIF project, it is being utilised for the development of Additively Manufactured biomedical implants with enhanced biocompatibility of for improved clinical outcomes. The beam quality and stable performance of the 200-watt fibre laser guarantee optimum, constant processing conditions for the production of high-quality components. This is a high-end system for the fast and efficient production of complex metal parts by means of additive manufacturing.
The new 3D metal printing system is ideal for the manufacture of open lattice structures for use in biomedical applications as well as bio-pharma applications. The system is ideally suited for applications such as dental crowns and bridges, as well as anti-scatter grids for medical devices. The M100 is used extensively to make crowns, bridges and other items out of cobalt-chrome alloy for dental restoration. The building volume and efficient recoating and exposure strategy ensures parts can be produced quickly and efficiently in small quantities. Furthermore, its small build volume allows the cost effective development of novel alloys for material development.
The ideal application of the printer is for when the manufacture of small metallic parts are required, especially in cases where plastic parts are not strong, durable or heat-resistant enough. Many industries that require small parts with tight tolerances can benefit from the system. The 200-watt laser has a focus spot of 40 microns and builds the object in precise 30-micron slices. Its cylindrical build chamber has a steel stage with a build volume 100 mm diameter and 94 mm high.
The surface of the M 100’s raw output is often too rough for immediate use. However, SEAM has extensive post-processing and heat-treatment capabilities to finish 3D printed parts, as well as techniques for part qualification. These include surface roughness measurement, mechanical testing and 3D metrological analysis for tolerance estimation. SEAM is available to consult on the printing of 3D metal parts as well as to assist in the design and development of components using its extensive CAD, stress analysis and fluid dynamics modelling capabilities. If larger parts are required for printing, SEAM has a range of printers for different materials and part sizes. SEAM is the one stop shop for all of your 3D metal printing needs and is here to ensure companies get the optimum results from any venture into this emerging technological revolution.
To find out more about SEAM Technology Gateway, check out their website or follow them on Twitter.
Source: https://www.eos.info/en/additive-manufacturing/3d-printing-metal/eos-metal-systems/eos-m-100