SLM Solutions has launched a new 3D printer which it says is 20 times faster than the previous model.
The NXG XII 600 is equipped with 12 lasers with 1 KW each, and a square build envelope of 600x600x600 mm. According to SLM, the printer is 20 times faster than its 280 Single Laser System and is designed to be used in serial production for high-volume applications and printing large parts.
The 3D printer can enable large overlap and is based on a laser scanning system to best fit the build area, the company said. All 12 optics provide spot size definition via a double lens system, enabling customers to choose between different spot sizes in the focal plane which reportedly boosts build-up rates to 1000 cc/h. It also features automatic build cylinder exchange, automatic build start as well as an external preheating station and external depowder station. The machine is available with two different powder handling options: gravity based and vacuum based.
‘The NXG Xll 600 is a revolution in industrial manufacturing,’ said Sam O’Leary, COO at SLM Solutions. ‘Up until now, the limit had been considered to be that of a quad laser system – what we deliver here with 12KW of installed laser power is truly ground-breaking and a major step forward, not just for additive manufacturing, but for manufacturing in general.’
This story uses material from SLM, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
