Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. has launched the Matsuura LUMEX Series, a powder bed metal additive manufacturing (AM) platform with subtractive capability. The LUMEX Series combines selective laser sintering (SLS) along with high speed milling (HSM) commonly called hybrid AM.
"Matsuura's unique combination of technology platforms enables the production of parts and component geometries in a method that has never been possible," said a company spokesperson.
The Matsuura LUMEX Series, manufactured for more than 10 years, is now offered in North America with sales and technical support provided by Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc.
"Often referred to as a one machine, one process cutting solution, the Matsuura LUMEX Series permits production of the most complex and challenging parts through total manufacturing by digital engineering using 3-D data," said Tom Houle, Director, LUMEX, NA, Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. "This process produces remarkable accuracy since metal powders are melted and sintered via laser while surfaces are precisely milled at high speeds. The Matsuura LUMEX Series possesses both high-speed milling plus laser sintering capability. Engineers are free to conceive innovative ideas and revolutionizing conventional manufacturing," Houle added.
Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. is completing a LUMEX laboratory and demonstration facility within the existing corporate headquarters in St. Paul, MN, joining the three other LUMEX Centers of Excellence locations in Japan, Germany and the UK.
The Matsuura LUMEX Avance-25 metal laser sintering hybrid milling machine relies on one-machine, one-process manufacturing of complex molds and parts by combining metal laser sintering (3-D SLS) technology with high speed milling technology. The machine enables production of complicated parts through total manufacturing by digital engineering, using 3-D data.
The Matsuura LUMEX Avance-25 is capable of processing parts up to 256 mm x 256 mm x 185 mm with an option allowing processing of 256 mm x 256 mm x 300 mm. The Matsuura LUMEX Avance-25 serves predominantly the high value, high accuracy mold and die market. "Dies and molds with very complex geometries can be fabricated in one piece with high accuracy, shortening lead time and reducing manufacturing costs to a half or even a third of conventional methods," said the spokesperson.
The Matsuura LUMEX Avance-25 achieves accuracy in part fabrication since metal powders are melted and sintered via laser, while surfaces are precisely milled at high speeds. 3-D cooling channels can be incorporated into molds in the single set-up, thereby increasing cooling efficiency and enabling high-cycle injection molding with higher quality and precision, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
"Differentiated original parts production with internal structures, thus far considered impossible, are feasible on the Matsuura LUMEX Avance-25," said the spokesperson. The Matsuura LUMEX metal laser sintering hybrid milling machine is capable of quick turn production of custom parts, whether prototypes or small production run parts.
"Rising interest in the Matsuura LUMEX products from aerospace and automobile industries searching for a machine capable of creating larger, high value-added parts prompted Matsuura to develop the Matsuura LUMEX Avance-60," Houle explained.
The Matsuura LUMEX Avance-60 can process parts up to 600 mm x 600 mm x 500 mm. The machine is also outfitted with a high power 1 kW fiber laser that reduces sintering time.
It provides an increased speed of powder distribution to the tabletop surface along with a fully integrated automatic powder supply, collection and recycle system. Metal powder materials are distributed automatically into the sintering chamber without operator contact, eliminating powder dispersion in the work area and preserving a safe environment. Unused powder is automatically collected, sieved and recycled.
For more information contact:
Matsuura Machinery USA
325 Randolph Ave., Ste. 100
St. Paul, MN 55102
800-518-4584 / 651-289-9700
info@matsuurausa.com
www.matsuurausa.com