Laser process fast-prototypes dense metal parts

Up to 100% dense metal prototypes are produced directly from CAD data using a laser-operated process at a rate of typically 5cm3 per hour for dense steel.

Select Laser Melting (SLM), which produces up to 100% dense metal prototypes direct from CAD data, is a rapid prototyping process for direct product realisation from metal powders or ceramic materials.

The laser-operated process can be used to create mould cavities or finished components.

Unlike similar laser sintering processes, all cavities and components produced by SLM are up to 100% dense and they do not require any post thermal treatment or infiltration with other materials.

Internally undercut mould cavities can also be produced to enable conformal cooling for high-speed plastic injection moulding.

Applications include sheet metal press tools, pressure die casting tools, injection moulds and finished metal and ceramic parts.

SLM components are produced using the MCP Realizer SLM machine, which is capable of building parts and inserts from low melt alloys, zinc, bronze, stainless steel and toolsteel.

Other metals are currently on trial by the MCP development team.

No special proprietary powders are required.

The process is fast and cost effective - parts can be produced in a matter of hours with no need for post processing such as heat treatment or infiltration.

The fully automatic, high speed process is capable of building 5cm3 dense steel per hour.

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