Additive manufacturing

Laser melting with metals

December 2014

Multilaser technology, improved 3D process monitoring and segmented exposure strategy for the laser melting of metals.

Segmented exposure according to the shell-core principle for optimum density and surface quality.

Concept Laser presents the new M2 (with multilaser technology) cusing (concept fusing) system featuring numerous innovations and a modern machine design. Doing so the pionner of laser melting bring fresh ideas for 2015. The new M2 cusing is being brought out with a new, modern appearance. However, in addition to its new look, the machine also has a fully integrated structure, i.e. there are no longer any external components for the laser and filter system. This self-contained solution provides benefits for the user in terms of the accessibility of the system components as well as greatly reduced space requirements.

News outside and inside However, it is not just externally that the new machine design underlines the enhancement of the system technology. The new M2 cusing is, for instance, equipped with a new filter design. This has increased the surface area of the filter by a factor of five. The new filter module has been designed with fixed tubing as well as being fully integrated into the system. The frequency with which the filter has to be replaced can be reduced to such an extent that the overall throughput of the system is increased. This enhancement is important when using the multilaser technology. With the increased formation of smoke particles, the new filter further enhances productivity.

Series enhancement with multilaser technology "Our product range is now enhanced with multilaser technology and it directly affects the exposure time. Our experience has shown that build rates can be increased by up to 80%. That’s a very pleasing result", notes Dr. Florian Bechmann, Head of Development at Concept Laser.

Segmented exposure strategy improves the performance characteristics of components. Concept Laser has likewise raised its game in relation to its exposure strategy. The key term is segmented exposure. It is common that higher laser power produces a rougher surface finish. "Our new systems technology implements the hull-core principle, which enables density and surface quality to be controlled independently”, says Dr. Florian Bechmann. This means that segmented exposure has an influence on the outer parts of the component – including overhangs and high-density areas of components – in a targeted manner.

A world first: New materials for laser melting systems Concept Laser’s development center has certified two new materials. For high-temperature applications, Inconel 625 is now available. This material is mainly intended for use in turbine construction where components are exposed to high thermal stress of up to 1000°C. The second material is the stainless steel, 17-4 PH. This material can be hardened and consequently made highly resistant to abrasion, wear and corrosion. These properties are attractive above all in relation to medical instruments. The certification of 17-4 PH stainless steel applies to the Mlab cusing R, M1cusing, and the M2 cusing series.

Medical instrument made of 17-4 PH stainless steel: abrasion- and corrosion-resistant.
The design of the new M2 cusing: fully integrated systems technology featuring numerous innovations.

Concept Laser GmbH An der Zeil 8 D-96215 Lichtenfels Germany

Phone: +49 (0) 9571 1679 - 0 www.concept-laser.de

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