Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is a Unique 3D printing process. Here parts are built layer by layer by depositing materials according to the CAD data.
Additive Manufacturing has been termed as 3D printing, Rapid Prototyping (RP), Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) and many more over the years. However, Additive Manufacturing reflects the professional manufacturing process. This significantly differs from the conventional process of manufacturing (subtractive manufacturing methods).
How does it work?
A thin layer of Powder (material) is added layer by layer onto a build platform in a controlled chamber. Then a powerful laser or lasers will melt the powder at the precise path or point specified by the computer from the fed CAD data. Later, the build platform is lowered and another layer of the powder is Added on top. Again the powder is melted and fuses with the below layer at the specific points. This process is repeated until the part is completed.
This technology was invented in the mid 1990’s but EOS developed this technology to perfection with the process and the materials.
DMLS technology is the most advanced and reliable technology in Metal additive manufacturing. It is a Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology which is used for large serial production of 3D printed metal parts. EOS is the leading supplier of Industrial metal 3D printers in the World. EOS has pioneered and have perfected this technology for nearly three decades.
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In the Selective Laser Solidification (SLS) process using 3D data from the CAD model the printer melts the powder bed using a Laser as a energy source which selectively melts the defined area by the software. Once the laser melts the powder the platform is lowered and another layer is recoated onto the powder bed. Again the laser melts the defined area. This process repeats until the part is complete.
