3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions have announced their first joint solution, the DMP Factory 500. This scalable manufacturing system is designed to transform metal manufacturing through simplified workflows to build higher quality seamless metal parts up to 500 mm x 500 mm x 500 mm with lower total cost of operation.
"This modular solution is optimized for scalability, repeatable high quality parts, high throughput and low total cost of operation. Combined global distribution network facilitates access to application experts to optimize manufacturing environments and maximize up-time with timely, local support," said a company spokesperson.
The DMP Factory 500 is a customizable solution comprised of five function-specific modules:
- Printer Module (PTM): Designed to withstand the rigors of 24/7 production cycles, enabling maximum printer uptime and output.
- Removable Print Module (RPM): A sealed module for powder and part transport between printer, powder and transport modules featuring a vacuum chamber to help ensure low O2 content, enabling high quality 3-D printed metal parts. "Powder waste is eliminated, because the vacuum chamber provides consistent, high material quality that can be re-used to depletion," said the spokesperson.
- Powder Management Module (PMM): Efficiently de-powders parts on build platforms, automatically recycles unused powder materials and prepares the RPM for the next build.
- Transport Module (TRM): Enables efficient movement of the RPMs between printer and powder modules-reducing production time.
- Parking Module (PAM): Provides interim storage of RPMs in an inert environment until ready for further progression in the workflow (e.g., stores a fully prepared RPM for its next print job while the PTM is finishing the previous print job).
The modular design of the DMP Factory 500 enables continuous function of all metal 3-D printing and powder management modules to maximize uptime, throughput and operational value. The ability for manufacturers to create custom solutions-matching the number and type of modules required for their production workflow-helps maximize their investment, while the integrated automation minimizes manual processes to reduce total cost of operation. In addition, the DMP Factory 500 system includes seamless data connectivity with all major ERP systems to facilitate supply chain optimization.
The additive manufacturing (AM) platform is integrated with GF Machining Solutions' System 3R referencing and clamping system. Zero-point clamping enables optimal positioning of the build plate, facilitating a quick transition from the 3-D printer to post-processing steps. This integrated feature reduces set-up times and provides enhanced flexibility by quickly transitioning the build plate from the additive process and sending it downstream for post-processing, saving time and money.
"This partnership joins two industry leaders in additive and subtractive manufacturing to deliver a solution that will change production manufacturing environments," said Pascal Boillat, President, GF Machining Solutions. "The blending of GF Machining Solutions' precision machining expertise with 3D Systems' standard-setting AM technologies will ultimately redefine metal parts production."
Automation of the AM process is a top priority of this solution, and the companies are focused on developing solutions to seamlessly integrate AM technology into the complete manufacturing process chain. To facilitate this, GF Machining Solutions has filed a patent application for a new carrier concept. This flexible solution allows the user to position and locate build plates on the Removable Print Module and provides links to automated conventional machining processes. This concept will contribute to increased automation possibilities and reduction of build plates costs.
The DMP Factory 500 Solution is complemented by integrated software including 3D Systems' 3DXpert to manage the 3-D printing workflow from design to manufacture. Additionally, DMP Monitoring facilitates real-time process monitoring to enable informed decisions on product quality.
Combining 3D Systems' and GF Machining Solutions' sales and support networks, DMP Factory 500 customers will have access to a distribution network operating in more than 50 countries. In addition to local technical support, customers will have access to metals manufacturing applications experts at the Customer Innovation Centers (CIC) Denver, CO. Customers will be able to collaborate with application engineers to optimize their DMP Factory 500 system to meet their unique business needs.
For more information contact:
GF Machining Solutions LLC
560 Bond St.
Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4224
847-913-5300
www.gfms.com/us
3D Systems Corporation
333 Three D Systems Circle
Rock Hill, SC 29730
803-326-3900
moreinfo@3dsystems.com
www.3dsystems.com