Hybrid Metal 3D Printer Redefines Mold Component Production

Join Matsuura Machinery at IMTS 2022 in booth #338630 to discover the latest in Matsuura’s technological innovations and manufacturing solutions, including the novel MX-420 PC10 five-axis vertical machining center (VMC), the H.Plus-300 PC15 horizontal machining center (HMC), the MAM72-52V PC15 five-axis VMC and the MAM72-70V PC2 five-axis VMC. The Matsuura Lumex team will also be available to discuss the company’s Metal Additive Manufacturing Service Bureau and its production of 3D metal printed and machined parts.

This includes the Lumex Avance lights-out metal 3D printing machines, which produces highly accurate parts — including mold components — from metal powders that are melted and sintered via a laser while surfaces are precisely milled. Distinctive to this solution, Matsuura says the hybrid metal 3D printer enables the ability to “grow” and fine mill a metal component in layers with complex internal features as the layers are added, such as conformal cooling and integrated porous venting — in most cases, eliminating the need for EDM. This typically reduces overall mold build time and ensures a highly suitable surface finish. Added conformal cooling can also improve cycle times as much as 50% and mold gas venting can be optimized.

The solution is said to enable quick-turn prototyping producing a wide range of parts and low- to mid-volume production runs. Products and shapes that were said to be previously impossible to manufacture (including ultra-deep ribs, 3D mesh, hollows, free-form surfaces and porous structures) can now be manufactured via the Lumex platform.

Overall, Matsuura says it has maintained excellence in its five-axis, vertical, horizontal, linear motor, multi-tasking CNC machine tools and machines with powder bed metal AM platforms. Beyond these technological innovations and manufacturing solutions, the company also dedicates its resources and invests in building strong, long-term business relationships that help its customers drive their success.

Sign up to receive an exclusive gift at the booth or for more information about Matsuura, please contact: IMTS2022@MatsuuraUSA.com.