New TruPrint 3000 doubles productivity with second laser
Improved protective gas guidance and melt pool monitoring increase component quality
The high-tech company TRUMPF presented the new series of its TruPrint 3000 3D printing system at a virtual customer event. The medium-format machine produces components up to 300 millimetres in diameter and 400 millimetres high using powder bed-based laser melting. The machine processes all weldable materials, such as steels, nickel-based alloys, titanium or aluminium. "We have further developed the TruPrint 3000 in key areas and adapted it even better to the quality requirements, certifications and production processes in various industries," says Klaus Parey, Managing Director responsible for Additive Manufacturing at TRUMPF. The new TruPrint 3000 can be equipped with a second laser, which nearly doubles its productivity. "Thanks to multilasers, we can significantly reduce part costs. This makes it easier for our customers to enter series production," explains Parey. Two 500-watt lasers expose the entire installation space of the system in parallel. This makes production significantly faster and more efficient, regardless of the number and geometry of the components. The Automatic Multilaser Alignment option automatically monitors and calibrates the multilaser scan fields to each other while the build job is in progress. Each laser exposes a contour. This means that there are no seams, which enables optimum quality for multilaser components.
Higher quality thanks to improved protective gas guidance and melt pool monitoring
TRUMPF experts have revised the flow concept of the TruPrint 3000. The shielding gas now flows particularly evenly through the system from the back to the front. This increases the quality of the printed parts. In addition, the operator can remove excess powder from the component while it is still inside the system. Previously, he had to remove it and unpack it at a separate station. The machine concept of the new system prepares the printing powder "inert", i.e. under protective gas. This prevents contamination from entering the powder circuit. This is an important advantage for sensitive industries such as medical technology.
In addition, the new TruPrint 3000 is equipped with so-called Melt Pool Monitoring. This function ensures the quality of the component even during 3D printing. It automatically monitors the process emissions of the melt pool, for example. Special sensors in the optics constantly check the melt pool. Software then compares the values with the data of a stored reference workpiece and graphically displays deviations - for example, if the melt pool is too cold or overheated. This allows the machine operator to recognise the error and intervene.
TruPrint 3000 flexibly adapts to customer requirements
In order to optimally serve the specific requirements of different industries and components, TRUMPF offers very flexible production solutions. "With the new TruPrint 3000, we can align the process chain precisely with each customer's manufacturing process," says Parey. In addition to the internal unpacking solution in the machine presented above, there is also the alternating cylinder principle with external unpacking and powder removal stations. The advantage here is that the machine adapts flexibly to the customer's needs, grows with the customer's production volumes and minimises downtimes by working parallel to production time.
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