Large 3d metal printer

MetalONE Metal 3D Printer: Top 7 Benefits of

1. Compact working chamber (65 x 65 x 100 mm).
2. High performance.
3. Economy. nine0038
4. Possibility of using argon and nitrogen.
5. Intuitive, easy to edit print options.
6. Easy to operate.
7. Low maintenance cost.

Applications and Consumables

This metal 3D printer will be indispensable in the following industries:

• R&D;
• industry; nine0038
• dentistry;
• jewelry.

Sharebot CEO Arturo Donghi with MetalONE 3D printer and printed samples

The additive setup is ideal for exploring new materials, and thanks to its small build chamber and DMLS technology, it allows you to create objects from a small amount of metal powder - only 800 g. In addition, the user can edit all process parameters, which will be recorded in a log after printing is completed. With a 250W fiber laser and the ability to use both nitrogen and argon, virtually any powder can be tested. nine0003

For industrial applications, the printer is capable of prototyping small parts with incredible precision and producing them quickly and without significant difficulty. Unrivaled print repeatability ensures low-volume production with consistently high quality.

Cobalt-chromium alloys (CoCrMo), which are widely used in dentistry, are also applicable in MetalONE. For dental laboratories, this is a real boon: the 3D printer prints metal fillings, crowns and caps in less than an hour and is exceptionally easy to use. nine0003

Due to the compactness and special structure of paper filters, the printer will also be beneficial in the additive manufacturing of jewelry and other miniature products, as it allows you to quickly create objects with the highest degree of detail.

Sharebot's R&D department, in collaboration with several universities, has developed profiles for 316L steel and cobalt-chromium and continues to test new powders for metal laser 3D printer. Next in line are profiles for titanium and aluminum. nine0003

How MetalONE

Work on the metal printer project began in 2015. At the same time, Sharebot was developing SnowWhite, a machine for printing with thermoplastic powder using SLS technology. After the successful implementation of SnowWhite in different countries, Sharebot gained enough experience to launch a metal 3D laser printer project. It includes other types of powders, software, mechanical components, and build chamber design (involving the creation and maintenance of a modified environment), but this machine can be considered a direct continuation of SnowWhite. nine0003

In March 2019, the first prototype of the machine and the first samples were presented at the MECSPE exhibition in Parma. In the following months, various models were printed to test the metallurgical properties of the objects and their quality, as well as the reliability of the printer itself and the repeatability of printing. All parameters of the printing process are available to the user, allowing you to explore and explore new materials and applications.

So, Sharebot MetalONE will be a profitable solution if you need to research and test complex small-sized products, material properties, and also produce small series. nine0003

Key Features of

• Construction chamber: 65 x 65 x 100 mm
• Layer thickness: 5-200 microns
• Laser: fiber, 250 W (1080 nm)
• Spot diameter: 40 microns
• Maximum speed: 5 m/s
• Software: Simplify 3D - Continuum
• Printer dimensions / weight: 740 x 630 x 1000 mm / 170 kg

MetalONE is available for order on sharebot. ru and iqb.ru websites (just like other Sharebot models) nine0003

Article published on 09/30/2020 , updated on 09/17/2021

How metal 3D printers work. Overview of SLM and DMLS technologies. additive manufacturing. 3D metal printing.

Hello everyone, Friends! 3DTool is with you!

BLT metal 3D printer catalog nine0003

Selective laser melting ( SLM ) and direct metal laser sintering ( DMLS ) are two additive manufacturing processes that belong to the family of 3D printing , using the powder layering method. The two technologies have much in common: they both use a laser to selectively melt (or melt) metal powder particles, bonding them together and creating a pattern layer by layer. In addition, the materials used in both processes are metals in granular form. nine0003

The differences between SLM and DMLS come down to the basics of the particle bonding process: SLM uses metal powders with a single melting point and completely melts the particles, while in DMLS the powder consists of materials with variable melting points.

Specifically:
SLM produces single metal parts while DMLS produces metal alloy parts.
Both SLM and DMLS technologies are used in industry to create final engineering products. In this article, we will use the term "metal 3D printing" to summarize the 2 technologies. We will also describe the main mechanisms of the manufacturing process that are necessary for engineers to understand the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies. nine0113 There are other manufacturing processes for producing dense metal parts, such as electron beam melting (EBM) and ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM). Their availability and distribution is rather limited, so they will not be presented in this article.

How metal 3D printing SLM or DMLS works.

How does metal 3D printing work? The basic manufacturing process for SLM and DMLS is very similar.

1. The printing chamber is first filled with an inert gas (such as argon) to minimize the oxidation of the metal powder. It then heats up to the optimum operating temperature. nine0113 2. A layer of powder is spread over the platform, a powerful laser makes passes along a predetermined path in the program, fusing the metal particles together and creating the next layer.
3. When the sintering process is completed, the platform moves down 1 layer. Next, another thin layer of metal powder is applied. The process is repeated until the entire model is printed.

When the printing process is completed, the metal powder already has strong bonds in the structure. Unlike the SLS process, parts are attached to the platform via support structures. The support in metal 3D printing is created from the same material as the base part. This condition is necessary to reduce deformations that may occur due to high processing temperatures. nine0113 When the 3D printer's chamber cools down to room temperature, excess powder is removed manually, such as with a brush. The parts are then typically heat treated while they are still attached to the platform. This is done to relieve any residual stresses. They can then be further processed. The removal of the part from the platform occurs by means of sawing.

In SLM and DMLS, almost all process parameters are set by the manufacturer. The layer height used in metal 3D printing varies from 20 to 50 microns and depends on the properties of the metal powder (fluidity, particle size distribution, shape, etc. ). nine0113 The basic size of the print area on metal 3D printers is 200 x 150 x 150 mm, but there are also larger sizes of the working area. Printing accuracy is from 50 - 100 microns. As of 2020, metal 3D printers start at $150,000. For example, our company offers 3D metal printers from BLT.
metal 3D printers can be used for small batch production, but the 3D printing capabilities of such systems are more like those of mass production on FDM or SLA machines. nine0113 The metal powder in SLM and DMLS is recyclable: typically less than 5% is consumed. After each impression, the unused powder is collected and sieved, and then topped up with fresh material to the level required for the next production.
Waste in metal printing, are supports (support structures, without which it will not be possible to achieve a successful result). With too much support on the manufactured parts, the cost of the entire production will increase accordingly. nine0113

Adhesion between coats.

3D metal printing on BLT 3D printers

SLM and DMLS metal parts have almost isotropic mechanical and thermal properties. They are hard and have very little internal porosity (less than 0.2% in 3D printed condition and virtually non-existent after processing).
Metal printed parts have higher strength and hardness and are often more flexible than traditionally made parts. However, such metal becomes “tired” faster. nine0003

Support structures are always required when printing with metal, due to the very high processing temperatures. They are usually built using a lattice pattern.

Supports in metal 3D printing perform 3 functions:

• They form the basis for creating the first layer of the part.
• They secure the part to the platform and prevent it from deforming.
• They act as a heat sink, removing heat from the model. nine0003

Parts are often oriented at an angle. However, this will increase the amount of support required, the printing time, and ultimately the overall cost.
Deformation can also be minimized with laser sintering templates. This strategy prevents the accumulation of residual stresses in any particular direction and adds a characteristic surface texture to the part.

Since the cost of metal printing is very high, software simulations are often used to predict how a part will behave during processing. These topology optimization algorithms are otherwise used not only to increase mechanical performance and create lightweight parts, but also to minimize the need for supports and the likelihood of part distortion. nine0003

An example of printing on a BLT 3D printer

Unlike polymer powder melt processes such as SLS, large hollow sections are not typically used in metal printing as the support would be very difficult to remove, if at all possible.
For internal channels larger than Ø 8 mm, it is recommended to use diamond or tear-shaped cross-sections instead of round ones, as they do not require the construction of supports. More detailed recommendations on the design of SLM and DMLS can be found in other articles on this topic. nine0003

As an alternative to hollow sections, parts can be made with sheath and cores, which in turn are machined using different laser power and pass speeds, resulting in different material properties. The use of sheath and cores is very useful when making parts with a large solid section, as it greatly reduces printing time and reduces the chance of warping.

The use of a lattice structure is a common strategy in metal 3D printing to reduce part weight. Topology optimization algorithms can also help design organic lightweight shapes. nine0003

SLM and DMLS technologies can produce parts from a wide range of metals and metal alloys, including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, cobalt, chromium and inconel. These materials meet the needs of most industrial applications, from aerospace to medical applications. Precious metals such as gold, platinum, palladium and silver can also be processed, but their use is of a minor nature and is mainly limited to jewelry making. nine0003

The cost of metal powder is very high. For example, a kilogram of 316 stainless steel powder costs approximately $350-$450. For this reason, minimizing part volume and the need for supports is key to maintaining optimal manufacturing cost.
The main advantage of metal 3D printing is its compatibility with high-strength materials such as nickel or cobalt-chromium superalloys, which are very difficult to process with traditional methods. Significant cost and time savings can be achieved by using metal 3D printing to create a near-clean shape part. Subsequently, such a part can be processed to a very high surface quality. nine0113

Various post methods. treatments are used to improve the mechanical properties, accuracy and appearance of metal printed products.
Mandatory post-processing steps include the removal of loose powder and support structures, while heat treatment (heat annealing) is typically used to relieve residual stresses and improve the mechanical properties of the part.

CNC machining can be used for critical features (such as holes or threads). Sandblasting, plating, polishing, and micro-machining can improve the surface quality and fatigue strength of a metal printed part. nine0003

Pros:

1. Metal 3D printing can be used to make complex custom parts, with geometries that traditional manufacturing methods cannot provide.
2. Metal 3D printed parts can be optimized to increase their performance with minimal weight.
3. Metal 3D printed parts have excellent physical properties, metal 3D printers can print a wide range of metals and alloys. Includes difficult-to-machine materials and metal superalloys. nine0003

Cons:

1. Manufacturing costs associated with metal 3D printing are high. The cost of consumables is from $ 500 per 1 kg.
2. The size of the working area in metal 3D printers is limited.

• Metal 3D printing is most suitable for complex, one-piece parts that are difficult or very expensive to manufacture using traditional methods, such as CNC.
• Reducing the need for building supports, will significantly reduce the cost of printing with metal. nine0113 • 3D printed metal parts have excellent mechanical properties and can be made from a wide range of engineering materials, including superalloys.

And that's all we have! We hope the article was useful to you.

Catalog of 3D printers for metal BLT

You can purchase metal 3d printers, as well as any other 3d printers and CNC machines, by contacting us:

• By email: Sales@3dtool.

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