Proto Labs expands its additive manufacturing with Concept Laser

In anticipation of the expansion of its 3D printing service and the opening of its new facility, Proto Labs has chosen Concept Laser to be the anchor of its metal additive manufacturing centre. Proto Labs will integrate multiple Mlab cusing and M2 cusing machines into its new 77,000ft² facility later this year.

The LaserCUSING technology will complement its existing portfolio of industrial 3D printing, CNC machining and injection molding processes.

Rob Connelly, Proto Labs' vice president of additive manufacturing, said: “Our business is built on a foundation of speed, efficiency, and delivering a superior quality of parts. Concept Laser metal powder-bed systems provide us with the ability to deliver on that promise to our customers."

“The Mlab cusing and M2 cusing machines from Concept Laser enable us to manufacture with a variety of reactive and nonreactive metal powders in various build volumes.”

“Maximum throughput without compromise to quality is one of the competitive advantages our machines offer. The integration of safety features, such as the closed-loop material handling system along with the patented passivated filter-change mechanism, minimises the operator’s exposure to powders and streamlines the process,” said John Murray, President and CEO of Concept Laser.

LaserCUSING systems can use a variety of alloys, allowing prototypes to be functional hardware made out of the same material as production components. Since the components are built layer by layer, it is possible to design internal features and passages that could not be cast or otherwise machined. Mlab cusing and M2 cusing machines produce full-strength, functional metal parts with the same ease and speed as plastic parts, with the potential to transition into metal injection molding when increased production is needed.

www.conceptlaserinc.com

www.protolabs.co.uk