SLM Solutions
SLM 500HL inc. PSA
SLM Solutions underscored 2014 by demonstrating its competence in the generative manufacturing processes at Euromold. The company, based in Lübeck in northern Germany, presented its new generation of the selective laser melting systems as the logical step to production technology to firmly establish the Additive Manufacturing in the process chain in addition to traditional methods.
The three manufacturing series of SLM Solutions, SLM 125HL, SLM 280HL and SLM 500HL, were presented at the event. Now the three types of machines have similar 3D optics and a 400 W laser as basic equipment, so individual developments on the SLM 280HL can be transferred for the production to other machines of the series SLM 280HL and SLM 500HL. On the booth of SLM Solutions, the two systems SLM 280HL and SLM 500HL were considered in live operation. With sophisticated design geometries and high performance, the systems demonstrated the reliability in everyday use.
The current SLM 500HL system builds on the innovative concept, which was introduced last year, but with a higher build speed it is aimed to the ambitious small-scale production. In the high-performance system SLMR500HL four fibre laser 4x 400 W or 2x (400 W+1000 W) via an optical 3D scanning unit expose powder bed in two units. The engineers of SLM Solutions have worked hard to simplify and automate the concept to optimise production processes again. So a plan was implemented to minimise the downtime of the system. About an unpacking unit the finished build cylinder is transported out of the system. The cooling process takes place in the unpacking unit, so that the next building process can begin immediately. Furthermore, a preheating system for build cylinder is available that allows instant switching without waiting.
Visitors from the key industries around the world were interested in these innovations and placed additional orders for eight plants during the fair. FIT AG from Bavaria, which already uses several SLM 500HL, decided on the fair to buy another five plants of the type SLM 500HL for their close-to-production. The business deal was concluded at EuroMold. The five systems will be delivered in 2014 and 2015.
Dr. Markus Rechlin, CEO of SLM Solutions Group AG, was very satisfied with the interest in SLM Solutions at EuroMold 2014. "So far, the EuroMold is Europe's most important trade fair for the theme of generative production. We surpassed the good result achieved in the previous year. We have noticed that global demand in this innovative technology is rising. We are very impressed with the numerous discussions and transactions with our international trade visitors."
