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INDUSTRY NEWS

Selective laser melting equipment developed by MCP Tooling Technologies Ltd. combines the use of an infrared fibre laser with a spot size down to 25 µm.

Selective laser melting (SLM) technology is suited for the fabrication of highly detailed small features and miniature parts. MCP Tooling Technologies Ltd. (Whitebridge Park, Stone, Staffs, UK), a supplier of rapid manufacturing services, now offers this technology to its medical, dental, and other customers. Companies involved in the production of miniature components will be among the prime beneficiaries, according to the firm.

The SLM 100 machine that is on-site combines the use of an infrared fibre laser with a spot size down to 25 µm. The build envelope measures 100 × 125 mm. SLM technology enables dense, high-quality parts to be built from stainless steel, titanium, tantalum, Inconel, and other nonferrous materials directly from CAD data. Moreover, parts can be fabricated in as little as one day.

Early sales of the device to customers in the dental industry show the technology’s potential in the healthcare field, according to the firm. The company also notes that applications under development involve the manufacture of miniature electronic parts in shape-memory alloys along with thin-walled components bearing complex geometries. Unfortunately, “these applications [typically involve] nondisclosure agreements and so cannot be fully described,” explains business development manager Bob Bennett.

For more information, contact MCP Tooling Technologies Ltd., Whitebridge Way, Whitebridge Park, Stone, Staffs ST15 8LQ, UK; phone: +44 1785 815651; fax: +44 1785 812115; Internet: www.mcpgroup.com.