NCAM accelerates the uptake of AM by developing the technology and systems required to address key challenges within the AM value chain. The facility is the instigator of DRAMA (Digital Reconfiguration Additive Manufacturing facilities for Aerospace), a three-year, £14.3 million collaborative research project, which in turn forms part of the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute’s programme; started November 2017.
As a tier-two member, Trumpf works closely with the MTC and supports the overall objectives of NCAM. The 3D printer has been located in NCAM’s recently opened (15 October) innovation and knowledge hub for metal AM. The hub, among the first of its type in Europe, underscores progress in the DRAMA project, and includes a workshop, as well as design, research and test facilities for AM users and experts who can shape the technology.
“The idea behind installing the TruPrint 3000 is to showcase laser powder bed technology,” explains Ross Trepleton, chief engineer at the MTC. “Our new innovation and knowledge hub for metal AM has only been open since October, but already we have a range of different AM platforms in place, the latest of which is the TruPrint 3000. We’re trying to demonstrate to industry the fundamental differences between various AM technologies available on the market.”
Trumpf’s TruPrint 3000 is a universal medium-format machine with industrial part and powder management that is designed for the series production of complex metal components. The build area measures 300 mm in diameter by 400 mm in height.
“The addition of the TruPrint 3000 is important because the machine is highly productionised,” says Trepleton. “For instance, build and supply cylinders can be quickly replaced, which allows users to reduce set-up times and increase productivity and machine utilisation rate. Furthermore, the TruPrint’s engineered structure is very robust.”
The TruPrint 3000 is fitted with a Trumpf 500 W fibre laser offering a wavelength of 1,070 nm. Notably, the focal diameter, which can be individually adjusted between 100 and 500 micron, makes it possible to react flexibly to various component requirements. Layer thickness lies between 20 and 150 micron to produce even more detailed workpieces.
“With machine commissioning and training complete, the TruPrint 3000 is available to any company that has an interest in metal AM,” says Trepleton. “We have deliberately invested in high-end systems for each type of metal AM platform, to see how the technologies compare with each other. Those coming to use the machines will soon discover which works best for their particular application, ultimately guiding their investment decisions.”
