Laser sintering allows production on demand, saving time and reducing development costs. Hofmann Innovation AG presents the world’s largest selective laser sintering (SLS) system for plastics. With a usable volume of up to 1,500 mm x 500 mm x 500 mm (X|Y|Z axis), the “Hofmann Medea 1500” system now allows the sintering of large plastic components using a genuine single-step process.
Peter Mischke at the Hofmann Medea 1500’s control panel (Image: Hofman Innovation AG).
As a result, one-piece components with no adhesive joints or welded seams can be produced. For the first time ever, large components such as instrument panels and interior/exterior automotive parts can be manufactured using an inexpensive sintering process. The significance of the SLS process Selective laser sintering allows the manufacture of complex, three-dimensional functional prototypes or moulds. These are produced quickly and fully automatically on the basis of the component’s CAD data. The system developed by the Modellbau division uses this data (usually in STL format) to generate numerous layers or “slices”. As a result, the Hoffman Medea 1500 SLS can build up functional components in just a few hours. “A number of lasers can be used at the same time. This allows us to produce large prototypes more quickly,” said Peter Mischke, Head of the Rapid Prototyping Technologies department, part of the Hofmann Group’s Modellbau division. A new level of quality The new XXL-sized SLS system is highly versatile. It can produce thousands of different components at the same time – all in a single process. It also allows a greater variation in layer thickness compared to conventional SLS systems. Mischke explained: “Our new system enables us to produce a wider range of component sizes. At the same time, we can influence and actually configure the process much better than we could with conventional sintering systems.” By varying the layer thicknesses, greater precision or, alternatively, higher build-up speeds can be achieved. The revolutionary new system can also act as a development platform for alternative materials which up until now had been unsuitable for the SLS process. It therefore offers advantages as regards the size, volume or geometry of the components which can be produced and their overall quality.
Production on demand reduces development times and costs SLS allows the integration of additional functions into a component so as to increase its value during the development phase. This in turn reduces production costs and the economic risks involved. A particular advantage of laser sintering from an industrial point of view is that it allows reliable production on demand. Hofmann Modellbau as a service provider When it comes to manufacturing sintered plastic prototypes, Hofmann offers its customers a comprehensive range of services. These include carrying out installation work or enhancing the components with vapour-deposited, painted or printed finishes. Hofmann can provide anything from large, functional parts to complete modules with the surface finish of a series component. As a result, customers can obtain laser sintered prototypes in sizes which were not previously available on the market.
Hofmann Innovation Group AG An der Zeil 2 D-96215 Lichtenfels Germany Telephone +49 (0) 9571 – 76 67 00 Fax +49 (0) 9571 – 76 67 09 [email protected] www.hig-ag.de
