Laser Lines will be presenting a mix of technologies with its 3D printers at Southern Manufacturing. These will include the XM200C metal powder-bed fusion 3D printer from Xact Metal, which is a compact and affordable system that can produce quality metal parts from a variety of metal powders at a low cost.
Bringing a new level of price and performance to metal 3D printing for entry-level operators for the first time, the XM200C is perfect for universities, prototyping laboratories and small to medium enterprises that require multiple machines.
Also, on show will be two printers from Stratasys – the F370CR and the J35 Pro. The Stratasys F370CR is the perfect additive manufacturing machine for more demanding projects that require stronger, stiffer parts with greater impact resistance. With a large build volume, the F370CR takes everything that the F370 offers and hardens the platform, enabling it to process high performance, composite materials.
FDM Nylon-CF10 is one of these materials, which combines nylon and carbon fibre to produce parts that are 50% stronger and 20% stiffer than the equivalent material on the other F123 series machines. Perfect for prototyping, producing jigs and fixtures and short production runs, users can choose from a large range of eight materials. It includes dual model and support material bays that enable extended running periods with minimal user intervention.
The Stratasys J35 Pro is perfect for an office environment, matching the expectations of engineers and designers wanting to produce models intended as either concept or functional designs. With layer thicknesses down to 18 µm, the J35 Pro prints quality models, including complex geometries and fine features, without compromising accuracy or detail, offering the best quality for capital expenditure of all the Polyjet multi-material 3D printers.
For models requiring characteristics including rubber-like, high impact, rigid, translucent and contact biocompatibility, the materials Elastico, Digital-ABS, Vero and UltraClearS are available. Up to three of these materials can be used at any one time to achieve digital compound models – all on the same print tray. In addition, the high-speed concept modelling material, DraftGrey, is also available for fast iterations.
Also on the stand will be an UltiMaker Method XL. With the largest build envelope in the Method line at 305 x 305 x 320mm, this machine has both a heated chamber and a heated build plate, helping it to produce better results when using materials such as ABS-R and ABS carbon fibre. With a dimensional accuracy of ± 0.2 mm, the machine sits firmly in the professional category, creating superb end-use parts and prototypes. MakerBot CloudPrint software allows for remote monitoring, while a moisture-controlled material case improves the performance of professional-grade materials even further.
Laser Lines will also be showcasing some of its industrial laser solutions, including the Sisma LMD Laser Welder and the Datalogic Ulxye Laser Marker as well as being on hand to discuss other lasers in its portfolio including those from Novanta, used for extreme precision to improve performance for laser-based diagnostic, analytical, micromachining, and fine material processing equipment.
Mark Tyrtania, sales director at Laser Lines, said: “Southern Manufacturing is always a good show for us to demonstrate how the 3D printing and industrial laser solutions can be a great collaboration. Not only can we help businesses manufacture products and prototypes, but we can laser mark them, so they are traceable. Our experienced team will be on hand to answer any questions visitors to the show might have. Come and see us on stand 150.”