The latest developments in Additive Manufacturing – episode 1: DMG Mori
The recent batch of applications has proved out metal additive manufacturing is worth taking seriously. Comparisons between AM and more established processes are certainly due to the speed at which AM technologies evolve.
In the metal AM space particularly, a long list of unique processes has emerged. There might be a few similarities between these technologies but the values, and the history behind each company make each AM process unique.
Furthermore, 2020 came with its array of challenges but these challenges do not prevent companies from unveiling some innovative products in their specific area of activity. We have combined these developments into one big “dossier”, however, today, in this first part, we will focus on what we’ve learned from DMG Mori’s developments.
On February 2020, DMG MORI has made a real splash during its Open House in Pfronten (Germany) with the official launch of its LASERTEC 30 DUAL SLM.
With solid roots in prototyping, DMG MORI is one that has understood the industrialization needs of the AM industry on the one hand, on the other hand, is aware of the fact that growing in this industry also requires holistic process thinking.
With that in mind, the Global Company develops an industrial 3D Printer based on selective laser melting in a powder bed. Compatible with a variety of metallic powders including steel, aluminium, or titanium, the modular machine presents several advantages when it comes to handling the AM powders. Thanks to a contamination-free change of powders process, not only the operator can add further rePLUG powder modules with different materials, but it can change these powders in less than two hours.
Furthermore, the specialist of cutting machine tools for turning and milling is clearly anticipating the needs of users with an additional line of Qualified Products to peripheral and accessory components for additive manufacturing.
“Our focus is on open powder selection on the one hand, and having a qualified and integrated powder circuit on the other hand. Powder return and recycling with selected DMQP partners provides an economical way of processing expensive powder materials”, explains Mathias Wolpiansky, Managing Director at REALIZER GmbH.
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Main specifications of the LASERTEC 30 DUAL SLM
The 100 percent open system integrates adjustable machine settings and process parameters. However, its main specifications include:
| Build volume | 300 x 300 x 300 mm |
| Dual-laser concept | Two 600-W lasers |
| Build rates | Up to 90 cm³/h |
| High-precision optics module + active cooling | Adjustable focus diameter from 50 µm to 300 µm allows full overlap of the two scan fields |
| Permanent filter system | Filter lifetimes of more than 3,000 hours |
| Work safety | Ensured thanks to an automatic passivation of metal dusts. |
Since it acquired majority shareholding in REALIZER GmbH, DMG MORI has been consistently involved in the development of the AM market. This development inevitably means expanding the most important generative manufacturing processes.
For this reason, every development of an industrial 3D Printer comes alongside certain upgrades or launches in the software portfolio. In this specific case, the company’s software solutions start with OPTOMET. Designed for the optimization of process parameters in the powder bed, it can result in 70 percent shorter material development cycles.
In addition to OPTOMET, there is CELOS, a software module which includes CAM programming via RDesigner as well as a perfect control of the 3D Printer thanks to a touchscreen and an APP-based system.
OPTOMET “was developed for the optimization of process parameters in the powder bed – among them lighting strategies and active control of the construction platform temperature – can result in 70 percent shorter material development cycles. CELOS includes CAM programming via RDesigner as well as controlling the machine intuitively due to a touchscreen and an APP-based system. Monitoring tools like the camera-based process monitoring of the build-up and coating quality complete the software portfolio”, Wolpiansky explained.
Already available for commercialization, the LASERTEC 30 DUAL SLM is a suitable candidate for industries that require the most stringent requirements including medical and aerospace.
Last but not least, to address the requirements of these segments, the company lies on a consulting approach through the DMG MORI Academy and its Additive Intelligence group which provide services along the entire process chain of AM.
To position itself on the AM industry, DMG Mori has combined a wide range of services under one roof, which confirms that AM cannot only be used a single method, but rather as part of a whole system. The Japanese conglomerate has now become an important contender in the AM market whose biggest strength lies in the diversity of its portfolio.
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