Metal laser melting has mastered the leap from rapid prototyping to recognised production technology. Additive manufactured parts are used in a wide range of industries. Toolcraft has once again expanded its machinery in order to more effectively meet the requirements of customers. The company has invested in an M2 cusing multilaser system made by Concept Laser, thereby extending its range to five laser melting machines.
Since its inception in 2011, the innovative process has established itself as an independent business sector. Toolcraft is looking to the future of metal laser melting with the new unit. The machine has a workspace of 250 mm x 250 mm x 280 mm in the x, y and z directions. They melt down layers measuring 20-80 μm in thickness at a speed of 2-35 cm³/h depending on the material. The machine has an innovative laser system. Two 400 W lasers are now used instead of one. This significantly increases the output compared to previous models. In addition, the M2 multilaser system offers the latest developments in process monitoring. The integrated system actually monitors the quality of the component during the manufacturing process.
Complete solutions from one source
The new unit produces precision parts made of nickel-based and titanium alloys, in addition to the new aluminium alloy Scalmalloy® – a corrosion-resistant material with the specific strength of titanium at a simultaneously high ductility. As a partner for complete solutions, Toolcraft provides the entire process chain in-house, from design through to manufacturing and chipping “refinement” and quality testing. The final inspection and an optical measurement are performed exclusively by qualified staff. The quality of the components can also be quickly and reliably verified using a system for non-destructive surface testing.
Comprehensive quality assurance
Additional analysis equipment ensures consistent quality assurance. The company has recently expanded its portfolio in this field and is investing in its own measurement and analysis technology. This is used to check the powder quality and the properties of the molten material. Toolcraft meets standard EN 9100 in the field of aerospace. For this industry, the company manufactures housing components and complex, thin-walled structures for gas turbines. Certified precision parts for the medical technology sector are also produced in Georgensgmünd.
