3D Printing Metal Parts Quickly and Flexibly

In Booth C-35041, TRUMPF Inc. (Farmington, CT) will feature their expanded technology and product range in additive manufacturing with their new TruPrint 1000, the latest solution in laser metal fusion (LMF), along with developments in laser metal deposition (LMD), a technology they established 15 years ago and have continuously improved upon ever since. TRUMPF is the world’s only manufacturer to have all the pertinent laser technologies for industrial 3D printing. They offer customers a complete package – the laser beam source, machine, powder, services and application consulting – from a single source.

The TruPrint 1000 uses a laser and metallic powder to build any desired component, based on data supplied directly by a CAD program. LMF systems create the component, layer by layer, from metal powders with grain sizes as small as 20 micron. This technology is ideal for parts that are complex in their geometry, such as those with internal channels and hollow spaces, and for manufacturing individual parts or short production runs economically. The compact model appeals to both novices and those experienced in additive manufacturing technology, making it a perfect fit for job shops, medical or dental customers, or for R&D environments. It can generate parts that are a maximum of 100 mm diameter and 100 mm tall. The user interface with touch screen control steps the operator intuitively through the individual phases of the process. All the components, including the laser, optics, process enclosure, filter unit and control cabinet, are integrated into the compact housing of the TruPrint 1000.

The supply cylinder, construction chamber and the overflow receiver are all aligned inside the enclosure. The supply cylinder contains the stainless steel, aluminum or any weldable material in powdered form. During the build, a layer of metal powder is applied to a substrate plate and then a 200 W laser is used to fuse the cross section of the geometry to the plate. After the exposure, the plate is lowered and the next layer of powder is applied. This procedure is repeated until the part is finished. The entire process takes place inside the enclosure, blanketed by protective gas, and at an oxygen content of 0.1 percent for maximum part quality.

TRUMPF also continues to optimize their LMD technology that is ideal for adding volume and structures / features to existing parts. In LMD systems, the laser forms a melt pool on the surface of a component and fuses the powder – applied simultaneously and coaxially – to create the desired shape. Applying multiple layers enables the user to expand the form in any direction. With the ability to add material at rates as great as 500 cm³ per hour, this process can be more economical than conventional manufacture. In addition, complex structures can be added to existing parts allowing for the design of communized base structures that have features and strength added where needed. Based on the specifics of the application, fabricators can choose either the large TruLaser Cell 7040 or the more compact TruLaser Cell 3000 with the new LMD package. Both the TruPrint 1000 and the TruLaser Cell 3000 with the LMD package will be on display during the show.

Also on display will be the new TruMatic 1000 fiber, the first entry-level punch laser combination machine from TRUMPF with a solid-state laser. This machine is revolutionary in its modular design, offering shops the ability to add to the system as business grows. Its patented Delta Drive moves both the electric punching head and the laser along the Y-axis while the sheet moves in the other direction. This feature not only increases machine dynamics, productivity and process stability, it also enables a significantly compact footprint and the ability to connect with innovative material handling options, including the SheetMaster Compact, to further increase production. The machine’s protective housing, a requirement for safe laser processing, is integrated into the system. It automatically moves out of the way when the machine is punching to give operators maximum visibility and accessibility. The TruMatic 1000 fiber will be on display with a 3kW TruDisk laser that offers fabricators the added flexibility of laser networking.

TRUMPF Inc., 111 Hyde Road, Farmington Industrial Park, Farmington, CT 06032, 860-255-6000, Fax: 860-255-6424, [email protected], www.us.trumpf.com.