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Surface Finish & Finishing of DMLS - (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) Parts |
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FINISHING/POLISHING (SURFACE ROUGHNESS)
Parts “as built” off DMLS machines have a “raw” finish comparable to a fine investment cast, with a surface roughness of approximately 350 R a- μ inch or R a-μm 8.75, or a medium turned surface. This surface roughness can be improved all the way up to 1 R a- μ inch or R a-μm 0.025, qualifying as a super mirror finish. There are several processes available that can be used to achieve the desired surface roughness or finish. These processes include, but not limited to:
Abrasive Blast (Grit & Ceramic)
Abrasive blasting is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material (media) against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface. Abrasive blasting services are included standard for all DMLS projects. If a “raw” DMLS part is desired, this should be noted at the time of the RFQ when addressing the desired surface roughness. Abrasive blasting with grit and ceramic media provides a satin, matte finish of approximately 150 R a- μ inch or R a-μm 24. This finish is largely uniform, but does not provide a 100% uniform finish.
Shot Peen
Shot peening is a process used to produce a compressive residual stress layer and modify mechanical properties of metals. It entails the use of media to impact a surface with sufficient force to create plastic deformation. It is similar to blasting, except that it operates by the mechanism of plasticity rather than abrasion. Peening a surface spreads it plastically, causing changes in the mechanical properties of the surface. Depending on the part geometry, part material, shot material, shot quality, shot intensity, and shot coverage, shot peening can increase fatigue life from 0–1000%. Shot peening is used primarily for foundries for deburring or descaling surfaces in preparation for additional post-processing.
Electrochemical Polishing
Electrochemical polishing also referred to as electro polishing, is an electrochemical process that removes material from metal parts through polishing, passivation, and deburring. It is often described as the reverse of electroplating; differing from anodizing in that the purpose of anodizing is to grow a thick, protective oxide layer on the surface of a material rather than polish. The process may be used in lieu of abrasive fine polishing in micro structural preparation, and is an inexpensive option for DMLS projects that are not tolerance dependent, creating a bright uniform finish. The extent to which electro polishing is successful depends upon the degree of preparation of the treated surfaces.
Abrasive Flow Machining (Extrude Hone) Polishing
Abrasive flow machining (AFM), also known as extrude honing is a method of smoothing and polishing internal surfaces and producing controlled radii. A one-way or two-way flow of an abrasive media is extruded through a workpiece, smoothing and finishing rough surfaces. One-way systems flow the media through the workpiece, then it exits from the part. In two-way flow, two vertically opposed cylinders flow the abrasive media back and forth. The process is particularly useful for difficult to reach internal passages, bends, cavities, and edges. This is an inexpensive option for DMLS projects that are not tolerance dependent, and a more uniform surface roughness. The extent to which AFM is successful depends upon the degree of preparation of the treated surfaces.
Electroplating
Electroplating is a process that uses electrical current to reduce ions of a desired material from a solution and coat a conductive object with a thin layer of the metal material. Electroplating is primarily used for depositing a layer of metal to bestow a desired property (e.g., abrasion and wear resistance, corrosion protection, lubricity, aesthetic qualities, etc.). Another application uses electroplating to build up thickness on undersized parts. Plating is also an inexpensive method of improving surface roughness, with the reduction in roughness once again hinging upon the degree to which surface are treated prior to plating. DMLS parts can also be plated in their raw state, and then finished in combination with another method.
Optical Polish (Hand Finishing)
When projects have geometries in low quantities that are not tolerance dependent, the best finishing option is an optical polish. Optical polishes are extremely cost effective, and the best way to achieve a brilliant finish. Due to surface porosity of DMLS metals, .003” to .010” of surface material is removed depending upon geometry. If this option is desired, it is imperative that designers or engineers consult with GPI prior to building, as specific surfaces may need to be offset with additional material to ensure part integrity after post-processing. Optical polishing is not ideal for large batches as it lends itself to an inconsistent finish from part to part.
Micro Machining Process (MMP)
Micro Machining Process (MMP) is a mechanical-physical-chemical surface treatment applied to items placed inside a treatment tank, providing highly accurate selective surface finishes. The desired surface finish is obtained by using MMP only on those areas where that particular finish is required. MMP begins with a detailed analysis of the surface state of the item to be treated, establishing the processing parameters required to meet the customer’s objectives. MMP can finely distinguish and selectively apply different primary roughness, secondary roughness and waviness profiles to surfaces. MMP is a batch process that is quite expensive, with costs ranging from $500 to $1000 for sample finish testing. After acceptable samples have been provided, costs for batch runs start at approximately $3000. This process has selective application, and is ideal for projects requiring precision tolerance finishing to a large number of parts, as well as parts with internal passages that cannot be reached by an alternate method.
CNC Finishing/Machining
CNC finishing permits high quality contoured milling applications to achieve tight tolerances. Detail-oriented precision can be accomplished with 3-axis, 5-axis and 6-axis CNC lathes. Conventional fixed headstock and Swiss-style CNC lathes can be utilized to support complex operations such as cross drilling and cross tapping, cross milling and slotting, C-axis milling and off-center work. Proper fixturing can yield tolerances as tight as 1 micron or (.00004). Should this post processing option be desired, pre-build planning is required to add sufficient material to machined features and surfaces so that tolerances can be met.
Cobalt Chrome MP1, media tumbled.
Cobalt Chrome MP1, optical polish #2
Cobalt Chrome MP1, optical polish (mirror finish) #3.
The shell behind the finished part is a "raw" part. You can see the contrast with this finish. This finish is the "optical finish". Stainless Steel. PH1.
This is an insert which had supports removed and abrasive blasted. MS1.
Raw with supports. Stainless Steel.
Stainless Steel PH1, shot peened finish.
Stainless Steel PH1, raw with supports removed.
Tim Ruffner
Account Executive
GPI Prototype & Manufacturing Services, Inc.
940 North Shore Drive
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
http://gpiprototype.com
Phone: 847.615.8900
Fax: 847.615.8920
Email:
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*DMLS – Direct Metal Laser Sintering Blog
Specializing in:
* DMLS – Direct Metal Laser Sintering
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* Short Run 1-1000 Prototypes
* Manufacturing |
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DMLS on Video - The Pressured Engineer - Funny Take on the Process - FINAL CUT |
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So I took all your comments into thought, edited the video and BAM here it is. I know it still might be a little cheesy, however you can tell we made some big changes. Here's the deal. If you can guess JUST 2 of the changes we made, I'll hook you up with a $50.00 credit toward any prototype service here at GPI. It may not seem like a lot but hey it's something (also a thank you for taking the time in watching both videos). Rate the video on youtube please and post a comment. If you are guessing on the 2 changes then please add me to your network on linkedin using this email.
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Here is the Link. Please let me know what you think. (yeah I made that rhyme)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88BPmL8cGAo
Thank you so much for participating, your feedback obviously was taken into effect, which is why I edited the video. I appreciate it very much!
Tim Ruffner
GPI Prototype - DMLS - Direct Metal Laser Sintering
http://gpiprototype.com |
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DMLS -Direct Metal Laser Sintering Awesome HILARIOUS Video |
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjSb51aEpWU
This video is a funny take on GPI Prototype doing a DMLS Rush Order for a customer. You have to check this video out especially the ending. Comment and rate the video on Youtube. It would mean a lot to me!
GPI Prototype Direct Metal Laser Sintering - DMLS
Tim Ruffner
GPI Prototype
http://gpiprototype.com
DMLS, SLA, SLS, FDM, RTV, CNC and more Prototype Experts
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DMLS - Direct Metal Laser Sintering Costs and Materials |
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Happy Monday!
I just logged into analytic's and seen what people are searching when coming to this blog, the top searches include;
-Direct Metal Costs
-DMLS Materials
-Direct Metal Laser Sintering
-Tim Ruffner (yeah I'm so not making that up lol)
-EOS M270
-GPI Prototype
Instead of talking about myself or GPI Prototype I have decided to share with you some costs and materials using direct metal laser sintertering aka DMLS (dmls).
I'm going to post a picture of a part, although I can not share the STL file I will share the picture and go over what costs would be in each material. Costs include setting the job up, material, labor, running time, removal of supports and finishing (includes stress relieving and shot peening).
Part Size - 1 1/2" Tall 1 1/4" Wide 1" Long 20 micron layers
How the part is positioned on the plate and Z Axis is what really determines price. Z axis is very important because that basically is how much powder is being used. Everytime the build plate and vat go down the re-coater arm will re-coat the build plate with powder, essentially using that powder and time. The laser sintering of each layer is quite fast the plate moving for each layer either 20 or 40 microns and the re-coater arm moving from side to side pushing powder is what takes the most amount of time. Setting up the machine takes roughly an hour and a half. Setting up the file takes about 45 min. The part I am giving you a price on was supported width wise so only 1" in height, plus 1/4" in support (giving you clearance for a band saw blade to cut supports from the build platform). Total build time was about 6 hours. Total finishing (support removal and polishing prior to blasting) including post hardening (4 hour process) was about 7 hours. Total time in this one part was about 15 hours.
PH1 - $650.00.
That comes to about $43.00 an hr. Not too bad is it? Not at all considering you have a metal part that can only be made this one way (this part shown has conformal cooling channels). Now as you may or may not know this was only 1 of 4 total parts for this insert for a golf ball but done solely as demonstration purposes to show conformal cooling and to educate you on price.
Pricing is different for most parts, obviously there is quite a bit that has to go into consideration before we give out pricing. Put some of that info perspective and the service we offer and that price is far less expensive then conventional methods including time and service given to you from GPI.
Why am I so candid about pricing? Well because I am not scared lol just playing really because I want to educate you in this field, a lot are surprised by how inexpensive this method is. We are offering you a service not just in regards to your product but giving you complete satisfaction for your part and how you are treated. Quality is exceptional, delivery is phenomenal and service is second to none! Give GPI a chance, send us your file and see how GPI can take your concept to reality. You can send your files to
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there is no obligation when it comes to quoting (although even quotes take up some time as we do a simulated run and see how much time is involved with finishing). Tool inserts are a great way to save costs using DMLS technology!
Have linkedin? Add me
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Tim Ruffner
Account Executive
GPI Prototype & Manufacturing Services, Inc.
940 North Shore Drive
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
http://gpiprototype.com
Phone: 847.615.8900
Fax: 847.615.8920
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
GPI Prototype DMLS on Twitter
Tim Ruffner LinkedIn
GPI Prototype on YouTube |
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GPI Prototype now on YOUTUBE |
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That's right
Here we are...
Tim Ruffner
Account Executive
GPI Prototype & Manufacturing Services, Inc.
940 North Shore Drive
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
http://GPIprototype.com
Phone: 847.615.8900
Fax: 847.615.8920
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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