CRDM now offers largest SLS capability in the UK

The machine's build platform is some 380 by 350 by 450 mm, with the machine itself measuring dimensions are approximately 2.5 m long by 1.5 m high. CRDM instigated the expansion of its SLS capacity in order to address the escalating demand for both production and prototyping. CRDM now hosts seven SLS units and will further expand as demand rises. Customer's demands can now be met at far greater speeds, and CRDM will now use the technology as a means of production, rather than just prototyping. "The addition of a new machine to our facilities will enable parts to be manufactured within an hour of receiving an order," said Martin James, chairman of CRDM. "SLS is an economical method of producing complex parts in small volumes and enables us to produce parts made from nylon – a widely recognised engineering material." SLS builds components in layers, with a computer generated 3D representation of a part virtually sliced into 0.1 mm layers. The SLS machine takes the sliced data and replicates the first layer onto a surface of plastic powder. The heat from the laser melts the particles of powder together, a new layer is delivered and the process is repeated, until the complete object has been built. Parts created from the SLS process are used across a number of industries, including medical, automotive, white goods and even aerospace. Additives such as carbon fibre can be mixed with the original plastic powder to make a composite which has tremendous strength, meaning that extremely durable parts can be created.