SLM Solutions
SLM Solutions 280 2.0
The leading provider of metal-based additive manufacturing technology will present the 280 2.0 machine and explain how it will optimise tyre production.
SLM Solutions is to present its generative Selective Laser Melting technology intended for the production of mould segments for tyre treads at the Tire Technology Expo 2017 in Hannover.
The leading provider of metal-based additive manufacturing technology will present its latest developments, specifically its 280 2.0 machine, and explain how they will optimise tyre production. SLM will do so at one of the tyre industry’s most important international exhibitions. Tire Technology Expo offers the attendees the world’s premier technology showcase, with exhibits of equipment and materials covering the complete spectrum of the tyre manufacturing process.
With the SLM 280 2.0, the German company will show the entire process chain of generative manufacturing, from data generation to the melting process, up to powder recovery and recycling.
SLM technology is used in tyre production for the manufacturing of both sample and serial mould segments for tyre treads. Due to an increasing competitive pressure, the tyre industry is being forced to utilise all opportunities to increase their efficiency. One of these opportunities is additive manufacturing. SLM believe its 280 2.0 is the ideal all-purpose system for both research and development divisions, as well as for production processes using SLM procedures. The machines have been designed to help optimise both processes and production. They are not only customised to the requirements of the tyre mould production but also minimise energy consumption, while at the same time maximising productivity.
SLM Solutions
SLM Solutions 280 2.0 machine
SLM believe its 280 2.0 is the ideal all-purpose system for both research and development divisions, as well as for production processes using SLM procedures.
On the opening day of the Tire Technology Expo, SLM will also act as program designers at the Congress. Ralf Frohwerk, SLM’s Global Head of Business Development will deliver a speech entitled ‘Metal 3D printing technology (SLM) for serial production of tire moulds.’ Taking place on Tuesday 14th February 2017, the focus of the speech will lie on the necessity of improved traction on wet surfaces, and how SLM technology can play a significant role in achieving this goal. Frohwerk will also prove that the production of new mould segments for tyre treads using SLM technology will be faster, more accurate and highly cost effective.
SLM technology also enables the creation of new tyre tread moulds using the free design possibilities of three-dimensional geometries. The layer-by-layer process using fine metal powders allows the construction of delicate tyre blades during the SLM process. The resulting blades are much improved in comparison to the conventional process where tyre blades have to be integrated individually.
The company behind this new technology is confident it will continue to increase the productivity of the generative process to improve the commercial break-even-point in comparison with conventional production. In the SLM machine, the powder is automatically fused using a 400 W or 700 W laser beam. With the SLM 500 and its patented multi-beam technology, one component is manufactured using up to four 700 W laser beams simultaneously. With the quad laser technology (4x 700 W) in combination with SLM’s patented bi-directional recoating system, these machines increase the build-up rate up to 90% compared with the twin configuration.
SLM Solutions will be present at the Tire Technology Expo 14th-16th February 2017 at Booth #4064 in hall 2.
