Introduction of Metal 3D Printing
Metal 3D printing (Additive Manufacturing) is a latest manufacturing technology which has the potential to revolutionize the way metal parts are being manufactured traditionally. Complex and intricate shapes can be produced without dies and tooling. It is a ‘Near Net Shape’ manufacturing process where parts are built very close to required dimensions, as precise as 0.2 mm accuracy. Metal printing has several sub technologies available in the market such as SLM, DMLS, DMD etc, and Incredible AM is working on SLM (Selective Laser Melting) process.
Our Process
The process of metal 3D printing begins with the CAD model of a part which needs to be produced. The model is sliced into thin layers of 50 microns, then the 3D printing device spreads a layer of metal powder on build plate which is melted by LASER as per CAD model dimensions continuously. The part gets built layer by layer over the period of time. They are mechanically strong and dense and can be directly used in engineering applications.
Features of Metal 3D printing
WEIGHT REDUCTION
Metal 3D printing has made it possible to reduce a part weight through innovative lattice structures. The material is structured in such a way that it can sustain heavy load at lowest part to weight ratio.
CONFORMAL COOLING
Conformal cooling channels can be 3D printed in a variety of cross sections such as rectangular, circular, elliptical, half-circular etc. Cooling channels can be circular, elliptical, spiral etc. These complex cooling channels improve the overall efficiency of the plastic part process resulting in reduction of cooling cycle time by up to 40% along with improvement in surface finish.
VIRTUAL INVENTORY
OEM’s have to maintain a huge inventory throughout the year which incurs space as well as cost. However, with the advent of additive manufacturing, inventory can possibly be digitized and used whenever required
Applications
- Defence
- Aerospace
- Automobile
- Tools & dies
- Education
- Energy
