DMP Factory 500 Customizable Solution

GF Machining Solutions announced its first joint solution, the DMP Factory 500 is a scalable system designed to transform metal manufacturing through simplified workflows to build seamless metal parts ranging up to 500 x 500 x 500 mm. This modular solution is optimized for scalability, repeatable high-quality parts, high throughput and low cost of operation. The DMP Factory 500 is comprised of five function-specific modules:

• Printer Module (PTM): designed to withstand the rigors of production cycles enabling maximum printer uptime and output.
• Removable Print Module (RPM): sealed module for powder and part transport between printer, powder and transport modules featuring a vacuum chamber to ensure the lowest O2 content enabling high quality 3D printed metal parts. Powder waste is eliminated because the vacuum chamber guarantees consistent high material quality.
• Powder Management Module (PMM): de-powders parts on build platforms, automatically recycles unused powder materials and prepares the RPM for the next build.
• Transport Module (TRM): enables movement of the RPMs between printer and powder modules, reducing production time.
• Parking Module (PAM): provides interim storage of RPMs until ready for further progression in the workflow.

The modular design of the DMP Factory 500 enables continuous function of all metal 3D printing and powder management to maximize uptime, throughput and operational value. The ability for a manufacturer to create a custom solution—matching the number and type of modules required for the production workflow—helps maximize the company’s investment, while the integrated automation minimizes manual processes to reduce total cost of operation. In addition, the DMP Factory 500 system includes seamless data connectivity with all major ERP systems to facilitate supply chain optimization.

The robust additive manufacturing platform is integrated with GF Machining Solutions’ 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.

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. Customers will be able to collaborate with application engineers in these locations to optimize the DMP Factory 500 system to meet their unique business needs.

The companies are debuting this first combined solution in conjunction with IMTS 2018 this week in Chicago (3D Systems Booth #431608, GF Machining Solutions Booth #338754).