Concept Laser
Concept Laser M Line Factory
The M Line Factory - On the left, the PCG processing unit and on the right, the PRD production unit
Concept Laser have launched the M Line Factory, an additive manufacturing system consisting of two separate units, at formnext 2016.
The M Line Factory PRD and the M Line Factory PCG make up the new 3D printing system – the PRD taking charge of the production side, with the dose, build and overflow modules, while the PCG is responsible for the processing phase. For the first time, part production as well as set-up and dismantling processes will take place in two independent machine units, allowing them to be operated physically separate from one another.
This enables production processes to run in parallel rather than sequentially so that downtimes are considerably reduced and the availability and output quantity of the process chain is thus increased.
The M Line Factory PRD has a maximum build envelope of 400 x 400 x 425 mm³ and is optionally equipped with one to four laser sources, each delivering 400 W or 1,000 W of laser power. At the core of the unit is three independent modules: the dose module, the build module and the overflow module, which can be individually activated for the first time and therefore do not form one continuous unit. The individual modules are moved via a tunnel system inside the machine.
This means that, for example when new powder is supplied, the empty powder storage module can automatically be replaced by a new module immediately without the build process necessarily needing to be interrupted, as was previously case. Finished build jobs can now also be moved out of the machine with the dedicated module and replaced directly by a new prepared build module so that production operations can be resumed immediately.
Additionally, a new 2-axis coating process has been implemented and also the integration of automated tool changing system which promises flexibility.
Meanwhile, the M Line Factory PCG, is available as the processing unit for set-up and disarming processes. This enables ‘optimum use windows’ right through to the ideal of 24/7 availability of the machine technology. The new processing unit has an integrated sieving station and powder management. This removes the need for containers to be used for transportation between the machine and sieving station.
Unpacking, preparations for the next build job and sieving therefore take place in a self-contained system without the operator coming into contact with the powder. Another advantage is the connectivity with different output media such as panels, PCs, laptops, or smartphones that an employee can use to stay on top of things.
The associated software suite CL WRX 3.0 includes various user roles with different authorisation levels which enables operator-specific, transparent control and monitoring of all process operations. In addition, it is an open structure with interfaces to CLS, ERP, machine technology and automation technology. The intention is that the system should also be able to integrate remote diagnosis, service monitoring and later also diagnostic devices.
The modular machine technology of the M Line Factory forms the core of Concept Laser’s ‘AM Factory of Tomorrow’ concept which makes provision for upstream and downstream stages of the production process as well as links to conventional manufacturing methods
