At IMTS, Methods 3D to Place AM in the Midst of Machine Tools
Machining demos will show additive parts postprocessed on CNC machines, and a high-speed 3D printing system will show fully automated production. “This is a manufacturing technology,” says company COO.
Share
This year at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), additive manufacturing gets its own pavilion. And that is fitting, says Jamie Hanson, chief operating officer for Methods 3D. But he says he is proud of the extent to which his company will be bringing AM right into the midst of the CNC machine tool technology within this show’s Metal Cutting Pavilion in the South Hall.
“This is a manufacturing technology,” he says. “We want to show additive manufacturing working alongside, and even in conjunction with, the manufacturing technologies we all know.” That is why Methods 3D, which is the group born out of Methods Machine Tools to bring 3D Systems AM technology to its customers, will be an integral part of Methods’ exhibit at the show (Booth S-9119).
In an efficient production process, additive and subtractive capabilities work together, Mr. Hanson says. In the company’s demonstration of this, two metal additive parts, both grown using 3D Systems’ Direct Metal Printing (DMP) technology, will be postprocessed using machine tools in the Methods booth. The two parts, after having been grown additively and removed from their build plates via EDM, will be seen being finished on a machining center and a lathe.
Hanson notes the Methods 3D section of the overall Methods booth will show various production-ready 3D printers, not only for making metal parts through DMP, but also for making end-use polymer parts through processes including MultiJet, stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS).
Of particular interest for manufacturing at production volumes is the “Figure 4” system, which Methods 3D is demonstrating in its robot-automated version. Figure 4 is 3D Systems’ new high-speed SLA technology, capable of generating parts around 25 times faster than typical SLA printers. Discrete modules in this system allow robots to pass 3D printed parts from printing to washing, curing and final finishing, all without human involvement.
“Our message is that additive manufacturing isn’t a distant possibility and it isn’t black magic,” Mr. Hanson says. “There is now a range of established, efficient technologies for additive manufacturing that can be implemented on the plant floor today.”
Learn more about attending IMTS at imts.com.
Related Content
-
DMG MORI: Build Plate “Pucks” Cut Postprocessing Time by 80%
For spinal implants and other small 3D printed parts made through laser powder bed fusion, separate clampable units resting within the build plate provide for easy transfer to a CNC lathe.
-
Why AM Leads to Internal Production for Collins Aerospace (Includes Video)
A new Charlotte-area center will provide additive manufacturing expertise and production capacity for Collins business units based across the country, allowing the company to guard proprietary design and process details that are often part of AM.
-
AM 101: What Is Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP)? (Includes Video)
Hot isostatic pressing has long been used for metal castings, but is now being applied as a valuable method for closing porosity in metal 3D printed parts.
