3D Systems and GF Machining DMP 500 Factory environment.
Following the news of a new partnership last month, 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions have announced their first joint solution at IMTS today, the DMP Factory 500, a scalable metal additive manufacturing (AM) solution.
A modular solution, first detailed last year, the DMP Factory 500, allows manufacturers to build metal parts up to 500 x 500 x 500 mm in size with lower total cost of operation. Consisting of up of five modules, the Printer Module (PTM) enables 24/7 production cycles whilst a Removable Print Module (RPM) enables transportation between printer, powder and Transport Modules (TRM) which features a vacuum chamber to ensure the lowest O2 content and enable high quality 3D printed metal parts. The Powder Management Module (PMM) de-powders parts on build platforms, automatically recycles unused powder materials, and prepares the RPM for the next build, and finally the Parking Module (PAM) provides interim storage of RPMs in an inert environment until ready to be utilised. This modular design enables continuous function of all metal 3D printing and powder management modules to maximise uptime, throughput and operational value, and customers can choose the number of modules required for their individual needs. The DMP workflow is supported by 3D Systems’ 3DXpert and DMP Monitoring for real-time process monitoring.
“The DMP Factory 500 is transforming and redefining how manufacturing gets done,” said Vyomesh Joshi, president and chief executive officer, 3D Systems. “Through our partnership with GF Machining Solutions, manufacturers will have a solution that combines additive and subtractive manufacturing and provides a simplified workflow. As manufacturing continues to advance, customers will start to expect high quality, large part production with significantly reduced total cost of operation, and with the DMP Factory 500, that’s exactly what they’ll get.”
GF Machining’s expertise comes in with its System 3R referencing and clamping system which enables optimal positioning of the build plate, facilitating a quick transition from the 3D printer to post-processing steps. The two companies are focused in developing solutions that integrate AM into the complete manufacturing process chain. To facilitate this, GF Machining Solutions has filed a patent application for a new carrier concept which allows the user to position and locate build plates on the Removable Print Module and provides links to automated conventional machining processes.
“This partnership joins two industry leaders in additive and subtractive manufacturing to deliver a solution that will change production manufacturing environments,” Pascal Boillat, president, GF Machining Solutions added. “The blending of GF Machining Solutions’ precision machining expertise with 3D Systems’ standard-setting additive manufacturing technologies will ultimately redefine metal parts production.”
The solution is on display at IMTS on booths #431608 and #338754 this week and will also be at TCT Show in the UK on 25-27th September.
