Bosch adds two SLM 500 machines to boost Additive Manufacturing production
August 3, 2022
SLM Solutions Group AG, headquartered in Lübeck, Germany, has announced that two SLM®500 metal Additive Manufacturing machines have been installed at Robert Bosch GmbH’s 3D-MPC Manufacturing and Processing Center in Nuremberg, Germany, to produce parts for its powertrain technology. This will include custom aluminium parts for hydrogen technology and electric drive systems.
The centre, which is responsible for producing components and parts using Additive Manufacturing for prototype and serial applications, will utilise the new AM machines to increase Bosch’s output of aluminium parts in AlSi10Mg, allowing higher capacity for demanding lot sizes and increased revenue.
“A high OEE [Overall Equipment Effectiveness], a resilient machine design, and our good quality processes are the keys for AM production,” stated Dr Christina Bluemel, Manager of the NuP1 3DP Manufacturing and Processing Center.
According to SLM solutions, Bosch has also utilised the company’s AM technology outside of the automotive sector by producing parts for the space sector under its 3DPSPACE startup.
The SLM 500 is a multi-laser AM machine that can integrate lasers independently or in parallel to increase build rates by 90% over twin laser configurations. Designed for serial production, the exchangeable build cylinder enables the shortest possible fire to fire times, reducing downtimes of the machine to a minimum. Machine operator and powder are separated through a closed-loop powder handling strategy, including an automated powder sieve and supply.
Sam O’Leary, SLM Solutions’ CEO, commented, “We are more than thrilled to partner with Bosch, a real technology powerhouse. They understand the revolutionary potential of Additive Manufacturing and trust the power and reliability of SLM Solutions systems. We are genuinely excited to support Bosch to accelerate the implementation of additive solutions across its entire portfolio of products and solutions.”
