Machine Combines Processes for Finished Parts in Fewer Setups

The Matsuura Lumex Avance-25 metal laser sintering hybrid milling machine is a powder bed metal additive manufacturing (AM) platform with subtractive machining capability. The Lumex  Avance-25 combines selective laser sintering (SLS) with high speed milling (HSM), which is commonly called hybrid AM. The Matsuura Lumex Avance-25 predominantly serves the high-value, high-accuracy mold and die market. The hybrid technology creates a “finished” part with machined surface finish and accuracy without inducing the additional variation caused by multiple machine set-ups and part handling.

The machine enables production of complex parts through total manufacturing by digital engineering using 3D data. Matsuura says that moldmakers can incorporate 3D cooling channels into molds in the single setup, thereby increasing cooling efficiency and enabling high-cycle injection molding with improved quality and precision. Matsuura says that the Lumex  Avance-25 can shorten lead times and reduce manufacturing costs to half or even to a third of the costs of conventional methods.