The model is sent to software used by the printing machine.
Our machine specialist checks
all the geometrics are properly aligned and support structure are
in place within the build chamber.
DESIGN
The SLM (Selective Laser Melting)
process begins = The metal powder is fused into place with
a high powered laser.
As the laser hits the powder,
the powders melt and become
a solid mass.
The components are built up in layers usually 30 - 60 microns thick (which is approximately half the thickness of a human hair!) until the part is built.
DESIGN
Excess powder is removed and reused, ensuring minimal waste which is good for the environment and very cost effective.
OUR MACHINES & BUILD SIZES
At RAM3D we have four Renishaw AM250 SLM machines running Stainless Steel 15-5ph, Stainless Steel 316 and Inconel 718. We have one SLM Solutions 280HL running Titanium 64.These are state of the art metal 3D printer machines that create physical objects from digital design.
Stainless Steel
15-5ph & 316
Normal Maximum part height 280
Plate 245x245mm
Inconel 718
Normal Maximum part height 335
Plate 245x245mm
Titanium 64
Normal Maximum part height 345
Plate 275x275mm
OUR STANDARD FINISH
Once the part has been 3D printed and the support material removed, the part undergoes a media blasting process. Media Blasting gives a more uniform finish and it suits most applications where the customer doesn't require a polished finish. We often compare the finish to the surface of a mandarin orange. It’s all in the finer detail with SLM (selective laser melting).
HEAT TREATMENTS
All our Titanium printed parts are heat treated in order to:
-
Reduce residual stresses developed during fabrication (stress relieving)
-
Produce an optimum combination of ductility, machinability, and dimensional and structural stability (annealing)
We can also heat treat Inconel 718 and Stainless Steel 15-5ph; contact us for more information.
POLISHING OPTIONS
Vibratory Polishing
We take our standard finished part and put it into the vibratory polisher where it is immersed in mixed Ceramic media and left for a period of time, until it becomes polished. This process can take sharp edges off certain features.
Hand Polishing
This requires a hands-on approach involving grinding, linishing and hand sanding before moving on to buffing and polishing. Many parts are not suitable for hand polishing; this can be quite time consuming and is a more expensive option.
QUALITY CONTROL
By focussing on the quality of the 3D prints we produce, we pride ourselves in a rigorous testing process to ensure your 3D print matches our quality control requirements. We’ve developed our own system which collects data on each build to ensure traceability. It has enabled us to understand the important factors influencing the selective laser melting process (SLM), from laser parameters to gas flow and powder quality.
DESIGN
We mainly work with Product Developers who have a very clear idea, vision and design of the part that we can create with additive manufacturing and the SLM process. Most of our clients provide us with their designs in a CAD file but if you require design to be done, we can put you in contact with the right designers that will suit your specifications. We have been metal 3D printing parts for more than 10 years and are happy to look at your design and advise on the right course of action.
Talk to us early in the design process to determine whether 3D printing is suitable for the printing of your parts. Most of our clients provide us with their designs in a CAD file but if you require design to be created, we can put you in contact with a designer. We have been metal 3D printing parts for more than 10 years and are happy to look at your design and assist with design ideas.
3D PRINTING PROTOTYPES
Many of our clients start their 3D printing journey by printing a prototype; this is a good way to make and test their design and provide them with a completely functional part. With rapid prototyping our 3D metal printing is able to bring a product to life quicker than ever. With such a speedy turnaround, products come to life in unbelievable time frames.
MOVING INTO PRODUCTION
We have a number of clients who were early adopters of metal 3D printing and understand the technology. This has allowed them to move into full-scale production of their parts using our 3D printing services. For the right products, this is a very cost-effective option.
Product developers and companies new to this advanced technology, metal 3D additive manufacturing process, can rely on our skilled, experienced team to guide you through the process.