The new enterprise is developing a new micro laser sintering technology (MLS) for 3D printing tiny metal components to meet the demands of Makers and professionals alike.
Germany-based companies, 3D-Micromac AG, a provider of laser micromachining systems, and EOS GmbH, an e-Manufacturing group, have teamed up to form a new organization dubbed 3D MicroPrint GmbH.
The new enterprise is developing a new micro laser sintering technology (MLS) for 3D printing tiny metal components to meet the demands of Makers and professionals alike.
Creating small, yet precise, 3D prints isn’t new, researchers at the Vienna University of Technology have even done so on the nanoscale, but those components are made of resin. 3D MicroPrint’s MLS technology boasts layer thicknesses of under five micrometers with metal materials, but Mandy Gebhardt at 3D-Micromac explains, “We have been processing different layer thicknesses in more than 100 projects with customers from around the globe and many industries. The thinnest layers we have used to build parts are 2 micrometers.”
According the Gebhardt, the device is Ideal for the medical, jewelery and watch, aerospace, and automotive industries, with the micro parts market estimated at around US$5 billion annually. 3D printing has an advantage over conventional manufacturing processes for these tiny parts, since the tolerances can be just as refined, but the parts can be far more complex.
The two companies have been developing MLS technology since 2006, but not without encountering some challenges. Similar to the direct metal laser sintering process used to print the Tri-D rocket engine, micro laser sintering uses a laser to melt metal powders to form each layer. When 3D printing on such a small scale, the particle size of the metal powder can make a huge difference.
“Work safety is an important issue because this powder size is respirable, and because of the large surface area, it is even more reactive than the one used in known laser sintering solutions,” Gebhardt explains.
The Latest on: Micro laser sintering
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Micro laser sintering” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Micro laser sintering
- Green energy opportunities grow as Precision Micro expands its production facilityon May 9, 2024 at 5:37 am
Global chemical etching supplier Precision Micro has announced the delivery of a new etching and stripping machine at its Fort Dunlop site in Birmingham, U.K., finalizing its second new etch room.
- Researchers explore microgravitational printing of semiconductorson May 1, 2024 at 7:43 am
LASED multimaterial printer used to create electronics and semiconductor devices through NASA-supported parabolic flights ...
- About Micro-Credentialson April 22, 2024 at 4:59 pm
A micro-credential is a small program that allows you to gain relevant skills that are needed in today's workforce. Digital badges are achievements that you can show to the world. At never more than ...
- The Best Micro Four Thirds Lenses for 2024on April 17, 2024 at 5:00 pm
For Micro Four Thirds, look for lenses that cover angles wider than 12mm. The Olympus Pro 8-25mm F4 zoom is one of our favorite options, and you can step up to the 7-14mm zoom if you want an f/2.8 ...
- Micro-Lisa: Making a mark with novel nano-scale laser writingon March 26, 2024 at 11:43 am
High-power lasers are often used to modify polymer surfaces to make high-tech biomedical products, electronics and data storage components. Now Flinders University researchers have discovered a ...
- Micro-cheatingon March 25, 2024 at 6:21 pm
Micro-cheating is subjective; an act or behavior could be characterized as micro-cheating by one person but considered completely fine for another. Therefore examples should be taken with a grain ...
- Trend Micro Celebrates 35 Years Of Consistent Successon February 8, 2023 at 9:05 am
I cover cybersecurity and the intersection of tech and entertainment. Trend Micro is marking its 35 th year in business. The company was founded in Los Angeles in 1988, before becoming Trend Micro ...
- selective laser sinteringon March 24, 2022 at 5:00 pm
A technique that has also being around for donkeys’ years is SLS or Selective Laser Sintering, but machines of this type are big, heavy and expensive. However, getting one of those in your own ...
- Sintering Sand WIth A Laser Cutteron December 7, 2016 at 5:13 am
The real objects of desire though are unlikely to grace the average hackspace. Selective Laser Sintering 3D printers use a laser on a bed of powder to solidify a 3D object layer by layer.
via Bing News
