Web-exclusive Product: Laser forming of wide variety of metals

The MCP Realizer II, which is the newest version of the laser melting system for forming metals that was introduced in 2002, is reported to produce dense metal components using basically any type of elementary metal powders. MCP-HEK says the user is not bound to proprietary types of metal powders and can choose among a broad variety of suppliers to deliver what the end user wants. The system has found a variety of applications in rapid tooling, rapid prototyping, and rapid manufacturing of metal parts.

The free-standing system uses the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process to build high-quality parts and tooling inserts at up to 100% density at an average building speed of 7000 cu mm dense steel/hr. The infrared fiber laser?s variable focusing optics generate fine surfaces by concentrating on small areas, and the company says no post-processing is required. Components are generally built up within hours, and automatic building can be done unattended. The technology is especially useful in making tools and inserts with undercuts and conformal cooling channels. The company?s Dense Shell software can be used to shorten build times by leaving hollows in the part while maintaining strength.

The maximum part building area in the work chamber is 250 x 250 x 240 mm and the minimum building thickness is 20 to 50 µm, depending on grain size. Operational controls are centralized and all operational data are shown on a video system, or the build chamber can be monitored.?RN

MCP Metal Specialties Inc.
Fairfield, CT
(203) 384-0331
www.mcp-group.de