Digital Metal watch TCT Show
Ralf Carlström models a Montfort watch with metal 3D printed dials at TCT Show
Digital Metal, a 3D metal printing company, has increased the Hoganas production plant by 50% to support serial manufacturing of its DM P2500 and new components.
Since launching the DM P2500 metal 3D printer last year, the company has experienced significant demand and has sought to expand its operations. Not only will there be larger floor space, Digital Metal has also reported the recruitment of more engineers, technicians, sales employees, and additional funding for materials research and development.
“Thanks to the great interest, we are now starting serial production of our machines,” said Ralk Carlstrom, General Manager at Digital Metal. “The first batch will consist of six new printers containing the latest automation electronics. In addition, we have reduced the overall dimensions of the machine, making it more easily positioned at customer sites. While our existing machinery will be upgraded to the latest technology at the same time.”
TCT twice spoke to Carlstrom in the autumn of last year, after the commercial launch of the DM P2500 and the company’s first appearance at TCT Show. The ambition to promote the high volume production of small metal parts was clear.
In Digital Metal’s process, parts are printed and sintered, enabling high resolution and detail accuracy. With the expansion of the production plant and office, Digital Metal has installed a new vacuum extraction system and increased compression and cooling power, which will allow Digital Metal to double its sintering capacity. There will also be a separate room for quality control, and an isolated space for printing with materials that require special handling.
The increased space and the addition of new equipment and new staff go some way to fulfilling the company’s mission of making high-volume additive manufacturing a reality. Carlstrom, though, believes this is simply the start.
“By developing our range of materials, we can develop new collaborations with companies in industries such as aerospace, where there is a great need for components that can withstand extremely high temperatures, made with superalloys,” added Carlstrom. “For us, this expansion is just the beginning. We are no longer thinking linearly. Instead, we are primed for exponential growth.”
