3D Systems launches DMP Flex 350 and DMP Factory 350 metal Additive Manufacturing systems
November 13, 2018
3D Systems announced the DMP Flex 350 and DMP Factory 350 at Formnext (Courtesy 3D Systems)
3D Systems, Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA, announced the DMP Flex 350 and DMP Factory 350, metal Additive Manufacturing systems at this years Formnext, November 13-16, Frankfurt, Germany. The company’s latest additions to its DMP platform, the systems are designed for volume production of critical components for industrial applications such as aerospace, healthcare, and transportation. In addition, the company also introduced a new aluminium alloy material – LaserForm® AISiMg0.6(A).
Following the announcement of the DMP Factory 500 developed in partnership with GF Machining Solutions, the new DMP Flex 350 and DMP Factory 350 are said to provide a strategic migration path that enables customers to grow their business by transforming the way they design and manufacture parts. The DMP Flex 350 and DMP Factory 350 are reportedly engineered for robust, repeatable 24/7 metal part production for R&D, application development and production. 3D Systems’ DMP platform design enables customers to scale from the DMP Flex 350 to the DMP Factory 350 as their production needs evolve within their factory environment.
The DMP Flex 350, the successor to 3D Systems’ ProX® DMP 320 metal 3D printer, is said to enable more efficient production of very dense, pure metal parts and includes improved gas flow technology for improved uniform part quality across the entire build area. Additionally, the DMP Flex 350’s improved print productivity of 15% over previous model facilitates faster time to market with lower total cost of operation.
For enhanced ease-of-use for demanding production environments, the DMP Flex 350 can be field upgraded to the DMP Factory 350. The DMP Factory 350 combines the same features and advantages of the DMP Flex 350 with integrated powder management. An in-unit viewing panel enables visual inspection of the ultrasonic sieve to ensure incident-free operation. The DMP Factory 350 includes real-time process monitoring via 3D Systems’ DMP Monitoring and allows customers to analyze and optimize parameters for higher quality final parts. Both the DMP Flex 350 and DMP Factory 350 are integrated with 3D Systems’ 3DXpert™ 14, an all-in-one integrated software solution for the entire metal Additive Manufacturing workflow.
LaserForm aluminium alloy
LaserForm AlSi7Mg0.6 (A) is a new aluminium alloy material designed to produce strong, lightweight parts without the need for casting, said to make it an ideal choice for parts that enable improved fuel efficiency for transportation and other weight-sensitive applications. In addition, the material’s corrosion resistance, high-thermal conductivity and electrical ductility, as well as good weldability, are reported to be suited to such applications as housings, mould inserts, impellers and heat exchangers. The new aluminium alloy material is compatible with both the DMP Flex and DMP Factory 350.
“At Formnext 2017, I announced 3D Systems’ intent to bring 3D printing to the factory floor with a new generation of additive manufacturing solutions,” stated Vyomesh Joshi, President and Chief Executive Officer, 3D Systems. “Today I am happy to report that over the last year we have brought to market an unrivalled series of plastic and metal 3D printers, materials and software that are optimising workflows, enabling new design innovations, and reducing costs. The new innovations we are announcing today – DMP Flex 350, DMP Factory 350, and LaserForm material– further expand 3D System’s customer-first, solution approach to drive the transformation of manufacturing.”
