The scalable manufacturing system, integrating additive and subtractive manufacturing, is designed to transform metal manufacturing through simplified workflows to build higher quality seamless metal parts up to 500mm x 500mm x 500mm with lower total cost of operation.
The DMP Factory 500 is a customisable solution comprised of five function-specific modules:
The robust additive manufacturing platform is integrated with GF Machining Solutions’ System 3R referencing and clamping system. Zero point clamping enables optimal positioning of the build plate, facilitating a quick transition from the 3D printer to post-processing steps. This integrated feature reduces set-up times and provides enhanced flexibility by quickly transitioning the build plate from the additive process and sending it downstream for post-processing, saving significant time and money.
“This partnership joins two industry leaders in additive and subtractive manufacturing to deliver a solution that will change production manufacturing environments,” said Pascal Boillat, president, GF Machining Solutions. “The blending of GF Machining Solutions’ precision machining expertise with 3D Systems’ standard-setting additive manufacturing technologies will ultimately redefine metal parts production.”
Automation of the additive manufacturing process is a top priority of this solution, and the companies are focused on developing solutions to seamlessly integrate additive manufacturing technology into the complete manufacturing process chain. To facilitate this, GF Machining Solutions has filed a patent application for a new carrier concept. This flexible solution allows the user to position and locate build plates on the Removable Print Module and provides links to automated conventional machining processes. This concept will contribute significantly to increased automation possibilities and reduction of build plates costs.
The DMP Factory 500 Solution is complemented by integrated software including 3D Systems’ 3DXpert to manage the 3D printing workflow from design to manufacture. Additionally, DMP Monitoring facilitates real-time process monitoring to enable informed decisions on product quality.
Combining 3D Systems’ and GF Machining Solutions’ sales and support networks, DMP Factory 500 customers will have access to a distribution network operating in more than 50 countries. In addition to local technical support, customers will have access to metals manufacturing applications experts at Customer Innovation Centers (CICs) in Leuven, Belgium; Denver, Colorado and Stabio, Switzerland.