Additive manufacturing allows the production of prototype or pre-series parts in a few days. We offer several technologies but all have the same basic concept : the construction of parts layer by layer, by adding material. The choice of the appropriate technology depends on the use of the part, the mock-up, the marketing communication, the functional test…
Stereolithography - SLA
A photosensitive resin is solidified layer by layer thanks to a UV laser.
The first layers form supports on the machine tray in order to ensure the good manufacture of the part.
Then the laser scans the surface of the tray. Once the layer is complete, the tray sinks into the material and a “rake” lines the surface to prepare the next layer.
Use :
- approving a design
- Trade Show Mock Up
- Assembly
Advantages
- Speed
- Flexible and clear meterials can be printed
- No geometric constraints
- Details and secondary process
Disadvantages
- Limited durability
- Support tracks
- Low mechanical strength
- UV-sensitive
Maximum size : 1000 x 800 x 600 mm
Visible parts Functional parts Right materials Right process Manufacturing time Yes No No No 1 day
Selective Laser Sintering - SLS
Powder is fused layer by layer using an infra-red laser.
The powder bed is heated to a temperature of about 175 degrees and the laser draws the part by adding the few degrees necessary for the melting of the material.
The variety of materials (PP, PA6, PEEK, POM ) and the possibility of UL94 certification, allows us to touch more and more applications.
Use :
- Functional parts
- Small serie
- Mechanical tests
Advantages
- Speed
- No geometric constraints
- Mechanical strength close to injection molding
- No support tracks
- Glass filled materials can be used
Disadvantages
- Surface rugosity (Ra =5)
- Details (+/-0.2mm)
Maximum size : 600 x 600 x 400 mm
Visible parts Functional parts Right materials Right process Manufacturing time No Yes Yes No 3 days
Direct Metal Laser Sintering- DMLS
Using the same technology as selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering consists of fusing powder layer by layer using an infra-red laser.
The first layers draw supports on the machine tray to ensure the stability of the part during construction. Once complete, we must remove the parts with their supports from the machine tray using tools such as a grinder.
Use :
- Functional parts
- Small serie
- Mechanical tests
Advantages
- Speed
- Mechanical strength
- Durability
- No geometric constraints
Disadvantages
- Support tracks
- Costs
- Surface rugosity & tolerances
Maximum size : 300 x 300 x 200 mm
Visible parts Functional parts Right materials Right process Manufacturing time No Yes Yes No 5 days