Howco, a global distributor of raw material to the oil and gas industry, has made its first purchase of the latest metal additive manufacturing (AM) technology for its new AM facility in Houston, TX.
Commenting on their new SLM500 selective laser melting machine, Howco's Director of AM Conrad Kaosaid said, "We went through an extensive selection process over a number of months to make sure we had the optimum technology for our new venture."
"As the first quad-laser system on the market, the SLM500 serves as the flagship AM system for high volume metal AM to ensure operator safety and lower overall operational costs," said a spokesperson. "Likewise, the integrated SLM Build Processor and open software architecture offer the freedom of controlling system parameters to optimize and meet strict production needs." The SLM500 features a 500 mm x 280 mm x 365 mm build chamber and four overlapping lasers with a total power rating of 1,600 watts. Quad laser optics can increase build rates by 90% over twin laser configurations. Gas flow is essential to removing soot from the process chamber, especially for long-duration builds and the optimized gas flow on all systems produces complex components with high density and top surface quality.
"Howco's worldwide investment in raw materials, manufacturing and processing facilities enables us to provide an outstanding and cost-effective solution to metals and components supply close to your manufacturing site no matter what regional location," said the spokesperson. "Howco is a market leader in the manufacture, supply and management of bespoke metal products for the oil & gas industry."
"We concentrate on ensuring our customers' supply chains are efficient and effective," continued the spokesperson. "Howco products drive all stages of oil & gas extraction and delivery. Howco has significant experience and capability providing ingot/billet, forged and rolled round and flat bar, semi and finish machined components, and complete turn-key assembled packages. Our expertise provides a comprehensive and reliable supply chain partnership. This enables us to respond rapidly on a worldwide basis to our customers' requirements for both material and product solutions."
For more information contact:
SLM Solutions NA, Inc.
48561 Alpha Drive, Suite 300
Wixom, MI 48393
248-243-5400
info@slm-solutions.us
www.slm-solutions.us