Metal 3D Printer Supports Multiple Laser Configurations

SLM Solutions’s SLM 280 2.0, an update to the first generation of the metal 3D printer, features upgrades to increase power, plus advanced gas circulation and filtration.

The SLM 280 2.0 offers a build envelope measuring 280 × 280 × 365 mm and is available in multiple configurations. It can be equipped with a 400- or 700-W laser, as well as dual 700- and 1,000-W lasers, or twin 400- or 700-W lasers. Build rate ranges to 55 cm³/hr. Variable layer thickness ranges from 20 to 75 microns, while the minimum feature size is 150 microns.

The machine features an inert gas atmosphere with efficient gas circulation to reduce argon gas consumption. A new inert gas flow optimizes process conditions, the company says. A compartment in the left side wall of the process chamber provides room for cleaning equipment, so that build parts can be cleaned of powder inside the inert atmosphere.

The SLM 280 2.0 has a powder tank capacity of 40 L, and features two powder bottle overflows. The machine is equipped with a 2+1 filter solution. Two standard main filters operate in parallel, providing nearly twice the filter lifetime compared to two switched filters, the company says. This reduces consumable costs and extends the time until manual intervention is necessary.

The machine’s open system enables optimizing the production processes with individually set process parameters. In addition, defined parameters can be directly transferred to other machines in the SLM 125 and SLM 500 series. A monitoring system helps ensure process control and increased quality.