Twelve-Laser Machine Facilitates High-Volume Serial Production
SLM Solutions’ robust NXG XII 600 design offers low production cost by reducing cost-per-part and overall build time.
Photo Credit: SLM Solutions
SLM Solutions officially introduces its new SLM machine NXG XII 600, which is now available for commercial offer. Equipped with 12-kW simultaneously operating lasers, the 600 x 600 x 600-mm machine is said to be 20X faster compared to an SLM 280 Single Laser System, and is designed to be used in serial production for high-volume applications and for printing large parts.
Featuring a new optic system, the NXG XII 600 enables large overlap and is based on a tailor-made laser scanning system to best fit the build area. All 12 optics provide spot size definition via a double lens system called “zoom function,” enabling customers to choose between different spot sizes in the focal plane, boosting build-up rates to 1000 cc/h. Its ability to produce a higher part yield in a single build job achieves increased production at low cost-per-part.
To better facilitate the integration of the NXG XII 600 into factories and supply chains, several automated features—an automatic build cylinder exchange, automatic build start and an external preheating station and external depowder station—are included.
To achieve homogeneous part properties all over the building platform, SLM Solutions has also developed a new gas-flow setup along with an optimized chamber design and SLM Solutions’ patented sinter-wall technology for more.
Further, the NXG XII 600 features a robust machine design boasting a new thermal concept, which is said to reduce drifts to a minimum and allows customers to print seamless parts stitched together with up to 12 lasers. Additionally, the machine comes with an UI concept focusing on the operator, which optimizes the workflow and reduces training requirements for overall productivity, reliability and safety.
The machine is available with two different powder handling options: A gravity-based and vacuum-based solution that keeps downtime between each build job to a minimum.
Related Content
-
MMT Chats: 4 Keys to a Successful Mold-Building Operation: Innovation, Transparency, Accessibility and Relationship
MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges chats with Steve Michon, co-owner of Zero Tolerance in Clinton Township, Michigan, about the excitement of solving problems, the benefits of showing gratitude, the real struggle with delegation and the importance of staying on top of technology. This episode is brought to you by ISCAR with New Ideas for Machining Intelligently.
-
Variable Density-Coated Tool Steel for High-Wear Molds
A mold builder can have an abundance of venting and fully dense solid areas in steel by using variable density sintering to eliminate gas trap defects in high-wear molds.
-
Plastic Prototypes Using Silicone Rubber Molds
How-to, step-by-step instructions that take you from making the master pattern to making the mold and casting the plastic parts.