Largest SLS capacity
Parts created from the SLS process are used across a number of industries, including medical, automotive, white goods and even aerospace
Rapid prototyping and manufacturing specialist CRDM claims it now has the UK’s longest capacity for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) following the acquisition of a seventh machine.
This new addition will reduce lead times and CRDM will now use the technology as a means of production, rather than just prototyping.
SLS is a manufacturing method which builds components in layers. A computer generated 3D representation of the part is virtually sliced into 0.1mm layers. The SLS machine takes the sliced data and replicates the first layer onto a surface of plastic powder. The heat from the laser melts the particles of powder together, a new layer is delivered and the process is repeated until the complete object has been built.
Martin James, chairman of CRDM, explains: “SLS is one of the most popular methods for producing prototype parts in the UK, and with increasing demand, the addition of a new machine to our facilities will enable parts to be manufactured within an hour of receiving an order. SLS is an economical method of producing complex parts in small volumes and enables us to produce parts made from nylon – a widely recognised engineering material.”
Parts created from the SLS process are used across a number of industries, including medical, automotive, white goods and even aerospace. Additives such as carbon fibre can be mixed with the original plastic powder to make a composite which has tremendous strength, meaning that extremely durable parts can be created.
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