ES Technology opens additive manufacturing demonstration facility

The facility sets out to show how easy it is to build metal parts directly from 3D CAD designs. The Concept Laser Mlab cusing machine can build parts 90 by 9 by 80 mm and is a compact unit, measuring 710 wide by 1,000 mm deep and 1,850 mm high, requiring only single-phase 240 volt electricity supply - Concept Laser's M1, M2 and M3 systems can build parts up to 300 by 350 mm, by comparison. Parts can be built in just hours, from stainless steel, cobalt chrome or precious metals such as yellow gold and silver, and the system is designed to operate unattended overnight. Additional materials, currently under development for the system, include bronze and titanium. Mlab cusing also boasts a number of features which enhance flexibility, including an easy to use pull-out drawer system. This enables quick removal of the construction chamber, dosing chamber and the powder container for the purpose of storing unused material. "The Mlab cusing represents a breakthrough in metal direct manufacturing, in terms of convenience and affordability," says Colin Cater, ES Technology's product manager for Concept Lasers systems in the UK. "Initial markets include dental and jewellery manufacture, but we've had plenty of interest so far from automotive, aerospace, medical device and tool and mould manufacturers," Mr Cater adds.