PRODUCT REVIEWS
A digital approach to 3D printing
Sheet metal specialist , TRUMPF , is constantly striving to make its 3D printing systems smarter and more productive . At the recent Formnext trade fair in Frankfurt , it presented a series of new software , sensor and automation solutions designed to improve the efficiency of 3D printing .
Its new TruTops Print software now combines several data preparation and planning steps that previously required multiple different software tools . “ Z-segmentation ” is one of the most exciting features of the new software . This feature boosts the productivity of the system by dividing parts into different segments and assigning different parameters to each segment based on the required part quality . This enables the 3D printer to generate thicker or thinner layers for each part , depending on the importance of the respective segment . This flexible approach to printing increases the productivity of the system without diminishing part quality .
TRUMPF teamed up with technology provider Module Works to develop the new software . As part of their strategic partnership , development engineers from the two companies joined forces to adapt the TruTops Print software to the specific requirements of TRUMPF 3D printing systems and equip it with an intuitive user interface .
“ This new software allows us to offer our customers a more tailored approach to operating our TruPrint 3D printers ,” said René Kreissl , responsible for the additive manufacturing business at TRUMPF . “ We ’ re making it far , far easier for customers to make the journey from an initial idea for a part to the final product – and that ’ s a great way to improve the overall appeal of additive technologies . Module Works is highly experienced in digital manufacturing , so it was the perfect choice of partner to help us develop the new software .”
As part of its efforts to make its machines even more robust and improve part reproducibility , TRUMPF has spent recent months developing a new gas flow concept . This optimises the flow of shielding gas through the build chamber , which is a particularly important aspect of the system , especially during the printing process . The new concept ensures homogeneous flow conditions to ensure the efficient removal of smoke from the build chamber ; this creates the kind of consistently good process conditions that allow the laser to perform its work undisturbed . All the latestgeneration TruPrint 3D printers come with this new gas flow concept .
Another key focal point at the TRUMPF Formnext stand was the new TruPrint 3000 medium-format machine . Equipped with two 500- watt lasers , the TruPrint 3000 uses powder bed-based laser melting to produce parts up to 400mm tall and up to 300mm in diameter . It also comes with a strong quality assurance feature in the form of meltpool monitoring . Intelligent analysis software determines if the melt pool is too cold or hot and presents a graphical display of any deviations from a reference build job , giving operators the information they need to detect , analyse and rectify errors .
René Kreissl .
The machine also incorporates a powderbed monitoring feature which uses a high-resolution camera and automatic image processing to monitor the powder bed in the build chamber and automatically detect problems , such as defective powder layers .
The TRUMPF digitalisation solutions for 3D printing also include a standard condition monitoring module that delivers the relevant KPIs , as well as an option for customers to control their machines via remote access through interfaces such as the industrystandard OPC UA interface .
TRUMPF continues to incorporate a range of automation solutions in its 3D printing technologies . For example , the TruPrint 5000 medium-format machine can be set to start the manufacturing process automatically . Another useful feature is automated monitoring of the scan field , which is the area in which the laser works in the build chamber . This improves the reliability of the process by measuring the position of the laser beams , checking them against the software and re-aligning the beams where necessary . n
. trumpf . com
ISMR December 2021 / January 2022 | sheetmetalplus . com | 63