FARMINGTON, Conn., June 20, 2016 – TRUMPF has expanded its technology and product range in additive manufacturing and will introduce these new options to the North American market at IMTS. With the new TruPrint 1000, the latest solution in laser metal fusion (LMF), and developments in laser metal deposition (LMD), a technology TRUMPF established fifteen years ago and has continuously improved upon ever since, TRUMPF is the world’s only manufacturer to have all the pertinent laser technologies for industrial 3D printing. TRUMPF offers customers the complete package – the laser beam source, machine, powder, services and application consulting – from a single source.
TruPrint: 3D printer with new LMF technology
The new 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. It can generate parts that are a maximum of 100mm in diameter and 100mm in height. 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.
TRUMPF TruPrint 1000 (Photo courtesy of TRUMPF)
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 200W 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 Laser Metal Fusion (Photo courtesy of TRUMPF)
A new LMD package: applying great volumes at high deposition rates
TRUMPF has also continued to optimize its LMD technology. This solution 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.
TRUMPF Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) Photo courtesy of TRUMPF
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 cubic centimeters 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.
The TruPrint 1000 and the TruLaser Cell 3000 with the LMD package will be on display in TRUMPF booth N-6223 at IMTS in Chicago, IL from September 12-17, 2016.
TRUMPF
Booth N-6223
IMTS
Chicago, IL, USA
12-17 September, 2016
About TRUMPF
TRUMPF is the world market and technology leader in fabricating machinery and industrial lasers for flexible sheet metal processing. Products manufactured with the company’s technology can be found in almost every sector of industry. TRUMPF Inc. is the largest subsidiary of the TRUMPF Group and is dedicated to serving the U.S., Canadian and Mexican markets. Additional company information is available at: www.us.trumpf.com
Source: TRUMPF