Laser sintering system builds mold in double-quick time

Laser sintering has reportedly set new standards in terms of part quality and reproducibility, at the same time improving cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness, with the EOSINT M 280 from EOS (Frankfurt am Main, Germany). "The EOSINT M 280 adopts all features and advantages of the well-established EOSINT M 270 system, and makes it even more attractive for a wide range of demanding applications including tooling and series production," says Peter Klink, executive VP global sales at EOS.

To date, EOS has sold about 270 metal systems. Numerous users are already using the EOSINT M 270 for series production in a variety of fields, including medical products and tooling. Many other users are actively qualifying the technology for their production. Based on feedback from many of these customers as well as its own innovative ideas, EOS has now further significantly developed the technology with its EOSINT M 280.

The new system EOSINT M 280 is available with either the same 200-Watt fiber laser which was pioneered by EOS with the EOSINT M 270, or with a 400-Watt fiber laser option. This higher power laser can melt more metal powder per second, thus achieving shorter build times and higher system productivity. For example, an injection molding core was displayed at EuroMold which was built in less than half the time compared to the EOSINT M 270.

Based on extensive process investigations and supported by fluid dynamics simulations, EOS has optimized the gas management system of the EOSINT M 280. A high-velocity laminar flow of protective gas across the entire build area, combined with the high-capacity recirculating filter system, ensures even more uniform process conditions. As a result, stable melting behaviour is ensured even over long periods of time and with higher laser power. This results in further improved reproducibility of the part properties. —[email protected]