For over a decade, Matsuura has been developing its Lumex Avance-25, “the world’s first 3D printing, metal laser sintering milling hybrid CNC machine tool”. With X, Y and Z travels of 260, 260 and 100 mm, respectively, and able to process parts of maximum size 250 by 250 by 185 mm (W,D,H), the machines boasts a 400 W fibre laser.
The Lumex Avance-25 can produce a metal component having complex internal features by 3D printing it in layers and then milling those internal features to give a perfect surface finish as the layers are added. This gives designers and manufacturers a route to designing what they can imagine, rather than be limited by the restrictions of their current production methods, strategies and machines.
At the MTC, the Lumex Avance-25 will be involved in core research projects for Tier 1 companies, as well as, potentially, being seen by 25,000 MTC visitors per annum. The machine itself will be independently verified and all processes and strategies certified. In addition, the Lumex Avance-25 will feature heavily in hybrid additive manufacturing workshops endorsed by the MTC.
The machine will be delivered to the MTC during summer 2016 and will be installed, commissioned, serviced and maintained by Matsuura engineers.
Note 1: Matsuura recently took on Joseph Bellis as AM applications engineer, focusing purely on the Lumex Avance-25 hybrid machine tool.
L to R: Joseph Bellis with David Edwards, senior director at Matsuura UK
Note 2: Matsuura has just unveiled the Lumex Avance-60, the larger sister to the existing Lumex Avance-25. The larger machine has axis travels of 610 by 610 by 100 mm (X,Y,Z) and can process parts up to a maximum of 600 by 600 by 500 mm (W,D,H). Equipped with a 1 kW fibre laser and with faster powder distribution to the table top surface, the maximum build speed has been increased to 35 cm3/h.
The new Lumex Avance-60 has a larger working envelope and more powerful laser
