IMPORTANT
The Prodways Hotline is exclusively reserved for users of Prodways ProMaker printers who need technical assistance.
Do you need technical assistance for your ProMaker printer?
An essential complement to standard machining, metal additive layer manufacturing (ALM) enables production of one-piece, complex metallic parts with geometries which cannot be manufactured otherwise (control, transfer of fluids, etc.). This technology, resulting from rapid prototyping, offers a competitive alternative to standard manufacturing processes. At present, there is a wide range of materials available, which offers more freedom during the design phase.
We use Direct Metal Laser Sintering, which is a revolutionary technology, to produce parts which were previously “impossible to make”, using CAD data-STL files – and without tooling.
DMLS® is an “additive” technology which functions layer by layer, by casting very fine layers of metal powder using a laser. Metallic powder beads are cast locally at the point of laser impact. As they re-solidify, they form a horizontal layer, and are cast on the lower layer. It is then possible to create internal cavities and undercuts.
A supporting structure, set on the metal platform used as a base, is required to support the parts during casting.
The depth of the layers varies between 20 and 40 microns. The resulting tolerances are highly accurate: +/- 0.05 mm.
Direct metal laser sintering is a technology in its own right, not simply a substitute. Parts must therefore be designed taking into account all potential benefits and manufacturing specificities. Laser sintering is similar to welding; the parts are manufactured on a plate and are then detached using electro-erosion or sawing. There is subsequently a post-process phase which may be complex, and often delicate. As the technology uses welding, the possibility of inner strains which may cause warping must be anticipated. Entrust the design or re-design of your parts to our team of experts. This will give the best opportunity to ensure relevant results.
Materials used
Table comparing Technologies and Materials – Metal to download
Machining workshop for finishing:
3,000 parts produced in 2014