- Machines, software, peripherals, materials – all new from Concept Laser
- Sales launch of the new machine architecture M LINE FACTORY
Lichtenfels (Germany), Wednesday, November 15, 2016: Just the announcement of the new machine architecture at formnext powered by TCT 2015 created a stir in the AM sector. This year visitors saw the commercial launch of the product under the name M LINE FACTORY. For the first time, part production as well as set-up and dismantling processes will take place in two independent machine units so that they can be operated physically separate from one another.
This now enables production processes to run in parallel rather than sequentially so that downtimes are considerably reduced and the availability and output quantity of the process chain is thus increased. But the technology leader from Lichtenfels already has a new innovation target in its sights: The machinery and plant manufacturer announced, in a cooperation with Swisslog, a member of the KUKA Group, that it is integrating an automated guided vehicle (AGV) for the automated movement of modules, e.g. powder and components.
Visitors were able to admire the first results at Concept Laser‘s exhibition stand. Further highlights were the premiere of the Mlab cusing 200R in the small machine segment and the presentation of the X LINE PCG in the large machine segment, as an option for the convenient and secure removal of the powder following the production process. As well as the availability of new precious metal alloys, a new product was also unveiled in the area of the QM modules. The new laser power meter, QM Cusing Power, now enables the laser power to be measured directly on the build area.
New M LINE FACTORY is intended to boost 3D metal printing
The long-awaited commercial product launch of the new machine architecture from Concept Laser, the M LINE FACTORY, took place during the course of formnext powered by TCT 2016. This heralds a completely new approach in machine architecture and offers an unprecedented level of automation and innovation.
For the first time, part production as well as set-up and dismantling processes will take place in two independent machine units so that they can be operated physically separate from one another and can be combined however you desire. This now enables production processes to run in parallel rather than sequentially so that downtimes are considerably reduced and the availability and output quantity of the process chain is thus increased.
The M LINE FACTORY PRD, as the production unit, has a max. build envelope of 400 x 400 x 425 mm³ (x,y,z) and is optionally equipped with 1 to 4 laser sources, each delivering 400 W or 1,000 W of laser power. The core of the unit is three independent modules, the dose module, the build module and the overflow module, which can be individually activated for the first time and therefore do not form one continuous unit. The individual modules are moved via a tunnel system inside the machine. This means that, for example when new powder is supplied, the empty powder storage module can automatically be replaced by a new module immediately without the build process necessarily needing to be interrupted, as was previously the case.
Finished build jobs can now also be moved out of the machine with the dedicated module and replaced directly by a new prepared build module so that production operations can be resumed immediately. Furthermore, a new 2-axis coating process has been implemented and this permits the return run of the coater to be performed alongside the exposure without the spatter problems that usually arise in the market today with systems that coat in both directions. This results in a substantial saving on time during the coating process in combination with a pursuit for the highest quality. Also under preparation is the integration of an automated tool changing system, as is the case with CNC machine technology, which promises flexibility as well as time advantages when setting up the machine, and further reduces the level of manual intervention by the operator.
The physically separate, autonomous M LINE FACTORY PCG is available as the processing unit for set-up and disarming processes. This enables “optimum use windows” right through to the ideal of 24/7 availability of the machine technology. The new processing unit has an integrated sieving station and powder management. There is now no need for containers to be used for transportation between the machine and sieving station. Unpacking, preparations for the next build job and sieving therefore take place in a self-contained system without the operator coming into contact with the powder. An automated material flow is another unique selling point. This allows self-contained modules for transport and material provision to be used.
The associated software suite CL WRX 3.0 includes various user roles with different authorization levels which enables operator-specific, transparent control and monitoring of all process operations. In addition, it is an open structure with interfaces to CLS, ERP, machine technology and automation technology. The intention is that the system should also be able to integrate remote diagnosis, service monitoring and later also diagnostic devices. Another advantage is the connectivity with different output media such as panels, PCs, laptops, or smartphones that an employee can use to stay on top of things.
The modular machine technology of the M LINE FACTORY forms the core of Concept Laser’s “AM Factory of Tomorrow” concept which also makes provision for upstream and downstream stages of the production process as well as links to conventional manufacturing methods. The concept consistently implements the basic idea of “Industry 4.0” in the form of automation, interlinking, and digitization, and thus permits the economical series production of additive metal components.
Machinery and plant technology: Premiere of the new Mlab cusing 200R
In addition to its long-standing successful model, the Mlab cusing R, at formnext powered by TCT Concept Laser has now unveiled its “big brother”, the Mlab cusing 200R. This makes it possible to manufacture even larger parts with much greater productivity, without the machine losing any of its familiar compactness. The absolute highlights of this new development include:
- Maximum productivity thanks to a doubling of the laser power to a level of 200 watts now
- An expanded build area now covering 100 x 100 mm2 (x,y), which represents an enlargement of 23%.
- 54% more build volume overall thanks to a z-axis of an equally enlarged 100 mm makes it possible to manufacture even larger parts
- Significantly longer machine running time thanks to a larger filter
- A footprint-optimized design and more accurate part positioning thanks to clamping system
The intuitive design of the display enables the machine operator to quickly get to grips with things in maintaining an overview of the process. The provider paid particular attention to the sieving of the powder. For the Mlab cusing 200R, Concept Laser offers an inertized sieving station as a stand-alone unit (QM Powder S). QM Powder S enables independent and automated sieving alongside the production process. The user can apply a variable number of sieves (1 – 3 units).
A three-dimensional sieving motion enables optimum utilization of the open sieve surface area. Safety was of course right at the top of the development list for the Mlab cusing 200R: The new model has water-floodable filter modules and involves physical separation of the process and handling chambers, which is typical for Concept Laser and ensures maximum safety and easy handling. The concept of the closed system was a must-have for the Mlab 200R: All process steps take place under inert gas, shielded from external influences. The whole process can therefore be called up reliably and with the maximum quality level.
QM modules: Presentation of the laser power meter QM Cusing Power
The area of quality assurance and monitoring has been one of Concept Laser’s core areas of expertise for many years. It is no surprise then that our development department works feverishly to come up with new solutions in this field. For formnext powered by TCT, the company has now unveiled its latest tool, QM Cusing Power. This tool now enables the laser power to be measured directly on the build area. The core of this new concept is a compact measuring device with a digital display. This measuring device can be used with all machines from Concept Laser (from machine software version 2.0.3.5). An adapter plate for each type of machine enables easy handling. The features of QM Cusing Power include:
- Power measurement from 25 – 1000 watts
- Data transmission by Bluetooth and USB
- Evaluation of the measured data via the Primes App
The measurement takes place under inert gas and no additional cooling is required.
Peripherals: Presentation of the X LINE PCG unpacking station
With the X LINE 2000R, Concept Laser not only offers the machine with the world’s largest build envelope, but also provides the unpacking station to go with it in the form of the X LINE PCG. This is recommended as an optional addition to the previous model, the X Line 1000R. It makes it possible to easily clean components within an inertized chamber. It is used for removing powder even in highly complex cavities and open support structures and for returning it to the powder circuit. The X LINE PCG makes it possible to clean components within the inertized process chamber. The programmed pivoting about two axes allows the component to be rotated on the platform and reliably removes the excess powder with a rotary movement. This aspect of automation allows the manufacturing process to proceed faster and more effectively.
New precious metal alloys for use on Mlab cusing and Mlab cusing R
Visitors to formnext powered by TCT also expected new things from Concept Laser on the material side. For example, various new precious metal alloys for use on Mlab cusing and Mlab cusing R were presented. Specifically, these were:
- Silver alloy (930 ‰)
- Yellow gold (18 carat, 3N)
- Rose gold (18 carat, 4N)
- Red gold (18 carat, 5N)
- Platinum alloy (950 ‰).
The processing parameters are provided by Concept Laser, the materials themselves are to be procured from the relevant powder manufacturer.
Contact
Concept Laser GmbH
An der Zeil 8
D-96215 Lichtenfels
Germany
Phone +49 (0) 9571 / 1679-0
Internet: www.concept-laser.de
Key word: LaserCUSING®
The patented LaserCUSING® process from Concept Laser is used to create high-precision mechanically and thermally resilient metallic components. The term “LaserCUSING®,” coined from the C in Concept Laser and the word FUSING, describes the technology: The fusing process generates components layer-by-layer using 3D-CAD data.
In this process, fine metal powder is fused locally by a high-energy fiber laser. The material solidifies after cooling. The contour of the component is created by redirecting the laser beam using a mirror redirection unit (scanner). The component is built up layer by layer (with a layer thickness of 15 – 500 μm) by lowering the bottom of the build chamber, applying more powder and then fusing again.
What makes systems from Concept Laser unique is stochastic navigation of the slice segments (also referred to as “islands”) which are processed successively. This patented process ensures a significant reduction in stress when manufacturing very large components.
Concept Laser at a glance
Concept Laser GmbH from Lichtenfels, Germany is today, unlike almost any other company, one of the real pioneers and key drivers of powder-bed-based laser fusing with metals. The technology driver here is the patented LaserCUSING® process, also referred to as 3D metal printing, which over the course of 15 years has evolved the additive manufacturing of 3D components from a rapid technology to the stage of industrial series production.
When Frank Herzog founded Concept Laser GmbH back in 2000 in Lichtenfels, a metal laser fusing machine was an entirely unknown quantity in the market. How is a 3D geometry created from metal powder using a laser? What does 3D printing or a digital process chain mean for the manufacturing of the future?
The answer was industrial machine technology: Concept Laser unveiled the first machine of this type in 2001 at Euromold in Frankfurt. With 65 patents granted today and over 120 patent applications, Frank Herzog and his workforce of around 190 employees continue to champion and develop the LaserCUSING® process. The company caters for the global market for laser fusing machines across all different sectors from sites in Germany, the USA and China and through a network of more than 35 distribution and service partners.
Concept Laser’s high quality standards, expertise in processes, applications and materials deliver reliable and cost-effective solutions which prove their effectiveness in everyday production and are primarily aimed at reducing part costs. In addition to commercial aspects, the process offers a large number of other benefits compared to conventional methods of production: The components are lighter, the designer has new freedoms, the topology and geometry are optimized, additional functions can be integrated, and less raw material is required. What this means is components that were previously manufactured using machining processes are now being redesigned to fully exploit the new potential offered by additive manufacturing.
Concept Laser offers a range of small machines (50 x 50 x 80 mm3) right through to the machine with the world’s largest build envelope (800 x 400 x 500 mm3). Machines from Concept Laser that are equipped with multilaser technology are among the fastest, safest and highest-quality laser fusing machines in the world. Around 650 installed machines and prestigious references and projects of this Franconian “hidden champion” around the globe send out a clear message and symbolize an outstanding technology for the future sealed with the endorsement “Made in Germany”.
For example, today the aerospace industry, automotive industry, medical technology, dental technology, toolmaking and other sectors focus strategically on 3D metal printing as the economical and high-quality production strategy of the future that embraces the notion of “Industry 4.0.”
Prizes and Awards
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2001–Presented with the EuroMold Silver AWARD for the M3 linear LaserCUSING® machine
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2008–Presented with the Bavarian Innovation Prize for the M2 cusing LaserCUSING® machine
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2012–Presented with the EuroMold Bronze AWARD for the X line 1000R LaserCUSING® machine
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2014–BAVARIA’S BEST 50 prize-winner
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2014–Finalist in the “Large Companies” category for the German Industry Innovation Prize in the shape of Frank Herzog, Managing Director of Concept Laser GmbH, Project: “The first 3D-printed titanium component on board the A350 XWB”
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2015–The “European CEO of the Year Additive Manufacturing” award was presented to Frank Herzog, Managing Director of Concept Laser GmbH
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2015–Nominated for the German Future Prize – Prize awarded by the German President for technology and innovation, Project: “3D printing in commercial aircraft engineering – a manufacturing revolution is taking off” in the shape of Frank Herzog, Managing Director of Concept Laser GmbH
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2015–FOCUS Growth Champion
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2016–Winner of the International Additive Manufacturing Award with the QM Meltpool 3D quality monitoring tool, which was developed in-house
Source: Concept Laser GmbH
