3D SYSTEMS SHOWCASES ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS AT RAPID+TCT 2023

3D Systems showcased its additive manufacturing (AM) solutions at RAPID+TCT 2023. The company’s solutions comprising 3D printing technology, materials, software, and applications expertise are changing the design, engineering, and manufacturing landscape. At RAPID+TCT 2023, 3D Systems introduced portfolio enhancements that will enable customers to expand the breadth of applications they can address with AM and enhance productivity.

SLS Material Delivery Module
The SLS Material Delivery Module is a new accessory for the SLS 380 platform that more easily allows customers to use multiple materials on a single platform. The SLS 380 is a high-throughput SLS additive manufacturing solution with unprecedented levels of throughput, consistency, performance, and yield to address cost-effective batch production. The ability to quickly change materials with minimum labour using the new Material Delivery Module helps increase the machine's efficiency and thus improve productivity.

Furthermore, the ability to utilize a broader range of materials with the printer maximizes the value of the platform for end users to expand the applications they can address. In addition to being compatible with SLS 380, the SLS Material Delivery Module enables multiple material functionality on 3D Systems’ ProX^® SLS 6100 and ProX SLS 500. This product is planned to be available for ordering in the second half of 2023.

DMP Build Changeover Station
3D Systems’ DMP Build Changeover Station is a standalone module that facilitates quick turnover of a DMP Factory 500 removable print module with a finished build to prepare it for a new build. The DMP Build Changeover Station allows the user to depowder a finished build, remove the base plate with a printed part, add fresh powder, install a new base plate, and prepare a removable print module to launch the next job. Changing materials on the DMP Build Changeover Station properly can be achieved in a matter of minutes, and thus it can serve multiple printers running different materials in parallel.

The Build Changeover Station is a lower-cost accessory as compared to 3D Systems’ full peripheral chain thus making metal AM more accessible to a broader range of customers. As production demands increase in an organization, customers are able to move to the full peripheral chain. The DMP Build Changeover Station is currently available for ordering.

GRCop-42 and CuCr1Zr
The company announced the addition of two copper alloys to its portfolio — Certified GRCop-42 and Certified Copper-Chrome-Zirconium (CuCr1Zr). Certified GRCop-42 is specifically designed for high-temperature, high-thermal transfer applications found in rocket engines, where high strength is also required. Parts produced in GRCop-42 maintain their mechanical properties at highly elevated temperatures (typical service temperature range of 400°C to 600°C, depending upon the strength and creep requirements for the sustained duration of the load). The addition of this material to 3D Systems’ portfolio expands the range of applications customers can address with the DMP platform to include high-performance combustion applications in aerospace and space.

Certified CuCr1Zr (A) is a common copper alloy offering high strength and high thermal and electrical conductivity. Heat treatment can be used as a post-processing method to enhance the strength and conductivity of parts produced with this material. Customers using this material can collaborate with 3D Systems’ Application Innovation Group (AIG) which has deep expertise in tuning heat treatment parameters to meet specific application requirements. CuCr1Zr is an ideal solution for complex heat management systems as well as electrical applications that also serve a structural function such as heat exchangers, cooling systems, induction coils, and electrical contacts.