Trumpf unveils new systems for 3D printing of metal parts

27 Oct 2015

All relevant laser technologies for additive manufacturing now available from one source, says firm.

Laser metal deposition.

Laser manufacturer Trumpf is extending its offering in the field of additive manufacturing. The company will be presenting new 3D printing machines for metal parts at the Formnext trade fair, soon to be held in Frankfurt, Germany - between November 17 to 20. The company will be presenting both laser metal fusion (LMF) and laser metal deposition (LMD) machines on its booth.

To support the development of both of these important metalworking technologies, Trumpf has established a new division at its headquarters in Ditzingen, Germany, and has been working intensively on new systems for 3D printing. The results and developments derived from the joint venture founded together with Italy's largest laser system maker, Sisma, have supported the efforts carried out by Trumpf in Ditzingen.

Dr. Peter Leibinger, Head of Trumpf Laser- und Systemtechnik, commented, “The introduction of our new 3D printers is an essential first step, since additive manufacturing will not only supplement production techniques in the future, but it will also exert a formative influence on them. We will be offering rugged and highly productive machinery with which small and medium-sized parts incorporating complex structures can be manufactured.”

Laser metal fusion.

Single source

Trumpf believes that market demand is growing for 3D printers that can generate metal components strong enough for industrial applications. The company claims to be the only manufacturer to be able to offer both of the necessary technologies – LMF and LMD – in its upgraded product range. The choice of the process best suited to a customer’s needs will depend on the details of the specific application. LMF systems generate parts layer by layer in a bed of powder.

These 3D printers bring their strengths to bear when making up parts which are geometrically complicated and extremely elaborate. In LMD systems, the laser creates a melted pool on the surface of a part and fuses the powder, added simultaneously in a powder stream, to achieve the desired shape. LMD systems are distinguished by the fact that they can add closely defined structures to existing tools and components, doing so at high processing speed.

“LMF and LMD are the two leading technologies in the additive manufacture of metal parts and we have them both,” added Leibinger. “Our customers procure not only the machine and the laser from a single source but, in addition to extensive service support, intensive technology and applications consulting, too. No matter whether you are dealing with injection nozzles, turbine blades, tools or even medical implants, with our broad range of technology we are offering the best solution for virtually every application.”