Digital Metal launches fully automated metal AM production concept

News
October 22, 2018

October 22, 2018

Digital Metal launches fully automated metal AM production concept

A production line of Digital Metal’s DM P2500 metal Binder Jetting systems (Courtesy Digital Metal)

 

Digital Metal, Höganäs, Sweden, has launched what it describes as a fully automated ‘no-hand’ production concept for the series production of components using metal Binder Jetting technology. In this concept, the majority of the process steps involved in part production will be handled by a robot, eliminating most manual work involved and thus increasing productivity.

The robot will feed the printer with build boxes, which will then be moved for post-treatment in a CNC-operated depowdering system combined with a pick-and-place robot. There, the remaining metal powder will be removed and recycled, and the parts placed on sintering plates before being moved by the main robot to the sintering furnace for combined debinding and sintering, in batches or for continuous production.

Ralf Carlström, General Manager at Digital Metal, stated, “Most AM technologies show a very low level of automation. Our aim is to change that. With the new no-hand production line, our customers can further improve their productivity and lower the production costs.”

“Almost all manually intensive work can be eliminated and, in addition, the powders removed in the cleaning machine can be recirculated in the process, thus minimising waste,” he continued. “As we see it, the Digital Metal technology is now applicable for the serial production of high-volume components.”

Digital Metal’s DM P2500 system uses Binder Jetting technology and is currently in use for the production of parts in series of up to 40,000 components. In 2018, the company signed a number of delivery agreements with major European automotive and aerospace companies. “We believe there is a huge potential for our unique technology,” added Carlström. “Not only is it very fast and cost-effective, it is also able to create complicated and highly detailed designs with wide material choice.”

www.digitalmetal.tech

News
October 22, 2018

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • Metal powders in Additive Manufacturing: An exploration of sustainable production, usage and recycling
  • Inside Wayland Additive: How innovation in electron beam PBF is opening new markets for AM
  • An end-to-end production case study: Leveraging data-driven machine learning and autonomous process control in AM
  • Consolidation, competition, and the cost of certification: Insight from New York’s AM Strategies 2024
  • Scandium’s impact on the Additive Manufacturing of aluminium alloys
  • AM for medical implants: An analysis of the impact of powder reuse in Powder Bed Fusion

The world of metal AM to your inbox

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Sign up

Discover our magazine archive…

The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

Browse the archive

Looking for AM machines, metal powders or part manufacturing services?

Discover suppliers of these and more in our comprehensive advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of Metal AM magazine.

  • AM machines
  • Process monitoring & calibration
  • Heat treatment & sintering
  • HIP systems & services
  • Pre- & post-processing technology
  • Powders, powder production and analysis
  • Part manufacturers
  • Consulting, training & market data
View online
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap