35 µm focus diameter for the most filigree of components
Optimised for the high-precision manufacture of thin-walled components and equipped with the latest software solutions, the new LASERTEC 12 SLM from DMG MORI extends the Group’s machine portfolio in powder bed processes.
- High-precision build-up of thin-walled components
- Focus diameter of 35 µm over the entire build area
- Build area dimensions 125 x 125 x 200 mm
- Fully compatible with rePLUG and rePLUG reSEARCH
- OPTOMET as an intelligent software for setting all process parameters
Precision in additive manufacturing depends basically on three parameters: a minimum focus diameter, adherence to minimum layer thicknesses and the reduction of the maximum powder particle size. DMG MORI has taken exactly these parameters into consideration in the development of the new LASERTEC 12 SLM and has designed a high-precision machine for building the thinnest wall thicknesses. The top properties and features already familiar from the LASERTEC 30 SLM 2nd Generation – the rePLUG powder module, CELOS as an integral software solution, the open system and ergonomic design – also apply without exception to the LASERTEC 12 SLM, making this innovative machine the ideal addition to the DMG MORI portfolio of process chains in ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING.
DMG MORI developed the new LASERTEC 12 SLM with a focus on precision in the powder bed process. A focus diameter of 35 µm over the entire build area enables high-precision building of the thinnest wall thicknesses. The thinnest layers can be built accurately and with exact repeatability thanks to the integrated direct measurement system with a resolution of 1 µm. An integrated sieving unit prevents larger particles or agglomerate from penetrating the build area directly before introduction of the powder. In addition the application of the powder in the build process is carried out safely in an inert gas atmosphere.
Despite its specialisation and optimisation in the high-precision building of filigree structures, DMG MORI has nevertheless managed to achieve a build volume of 125 × 125 × 200 mm. The ergonomic construction of the machine in the Stealth design also reflects the principle that DMG MORI has been pursuing and optimising continuously for many years, namely making work on the machine easy and efficient by ensuring better accessibility to all key elements. Furthermore, the LASERTEC 12 SLM is based on the same machine platform as the LASERTEC 30 SLM 2nd Generation, making this new development just as robust on the one hand while remaining compatible with both the conventional rePLUG and the rePLUG reSEARCH on the other. The fast material change of less than two hours that this enables boosts the productivity of the LASERTEC 12 SLM enormously.
DMG MORI has designed the rePLUG reSEARCH especially for the development of materials. In contrast to the conventional rePLUG, this module has a bottle-based powder feed for significantly smaller material quantities instead of the large powder container with a closed powder circuit. This ensures simple cleaning of the system, which brings great time savings and reduces the risk of cross-contamination to a minimum - especially important for tests involving a number of materials. Any excess powder is also caught in a bottle and can be then be sieved externally ready for reuse.
CELOS and OPTOMET as an innovative and integral software solution
The integral software solution for CAM programming and machine control CELOS rounds off the process chains with the LASERTEC SLM series. The coordinated and uniform user interface enables parts to be programmed externally with minimum time expenditure and transferred to the. Thanks to the efficient flow of information and intuitive operation CELOS ensures optimum processes in the pre- and post-processing of additively manufactured parts. As a consequence the open system of the LASERTEC 12 SLM enables individual adjustment of all machine settings and process parameters, right through to include an unlimited choice of material suppliers.
DMG MORI has developed the software OPTOMET in cooperation with INTECH, for the control of the process parameters in the powder bed process. It has self-adjusting and learning algorithms that calculate the required parameters of the SLM process in advance within minutes. This means layer thickness can be calculated freely, which in turn enables a faster and therefore also more productive build. OPTOMET has a material database that allows users to use material from all manufacturers without having to test them in advance. The open system also allows independent expansion of the database using the customer’s own experiments. OPTOMET is also able to adapt parameters in such a way that material properties, such as hardness, porosity and elasticity, can be changed or optimised.