Using the DTM* 2500+ SLS machine, a 100 watt CO2 laser beam selectively fuses powdered materials, such as nylon, elastomer, and metal, into a solid object. Parts are built upon a platform, which sits just below the surface in a bin of the heat-fusible powder. A laser traces the pattern of the first layer, sintering it together. The platform is lowered by the height of the next layer and powder is reapplied. This process continues until the part is complete. Finished parts are extracted from the machine, blasted with glass beads to remove powder, and sanded if necessary. Parts from the CHPM's SLS machine are either nylon or a composite of 70 percent stainless steel and 30 percent bronze. The 2500+ has a build volume of 13 in. x 11 in. x 16 in.
Using the PROMETAL R2 machine, parts are built upon a platform situated in a bin full of powder material. An ink-jet printing head selectively deposits or "prints" a binder fluid to fuse the powder together in the desired areas. Unbound powder remains to support the part. The platform is lowered, more powder added and leveled, and the process repeated. When finished, the green part is then removed from the unbound powder, and excess unbound powder is blown off. Finished parts are infiltrated with structural sealants to improve durability and surface finish. Parts from the CHPM's 3DP are a composite 0f 60 percent stainless steel and 40 percent bronze. The R2 has a build volume of 8 in. x 8 in. x 6 in.
Our machine shop has limited prototype capabilities in four to five axes, with a circular capacity of 17 inches diameter x 6 feet long, and a mill capacity of 48 inches.
* Now 3DSystems
For more information about CHPM, contact Lynn Radocha
Information Publisher: CISAT Creative Services
Site Last Updated Thursday December 1, 2005 2:12 PM