SLM Solutions SLM 280 HL

About SLM 280 HL

The optimal approach for reliable metal part production and prototypes. Flexible, safe and efficient. Up to 80% higher build-up rate.

The Selective Laser Melting Machine SLM 280 2.0 provides a 280 x 280 x 365 mm³ build envelope and a patented multi-beam technology. During the build process up to two fiber lasers expose the build field via a 3D scan optic. The SLM 280 2.0 is available in several configurations, providing single optics (1x 400W or 1x 700W), dual optics (1x 700W and 1x 1000W) and twin optics (2x 400W or 2x 700W). Depending on how the components are arranged, a 80% higher build rate can be achieved. In addition, the patented bidirectional powder coating helps to reduce the manufacturing time of individually manufactured metal build parts. Thus, the Selective Laser Melting Machine SLM 280 2.0 enables the manufacture of individual metal components based on CAD data for series production and one-off production with individual parameters.

There is room for cleaning equipment in a compartment in the left side wall of the process chamber so that, after a production process, the build parts can be cleaned of powder while still in an inert gas atmosphere.

The SLM 280 2.0 as an open system offers many options for optimizing the production processes as required with individually set process parameters and for carrying out material developments.

An extensive monitoring system that has been developed specifically for the SLM process enables a high level of process control and, as a result, a high level of quality for the build parts.

The use of a large powder tank (40l) with two bottles (each 5l) enables the execution of a complete production process in full height with a 1.6-way overdose. The size of the overflows has also been modified accordingly and to enable simple handling, the powder bottles of the overflows are easily accessible from outside.

The complete process is carried out in an inert gas atmosphere. With efficient inert gas circulation, a reduced gas consumption is achieved in a secure and efficient operation. A new inert gas flow is used for optimum process conditions, whereby an efficient removal of flue gas from the process chamber is achieved. In addition to the attainment of constant conditions on the work surface, the beam entry glasses are also effectively protected from contamination.

Optionally, a modular powder supply unit (PSV) can be connected to the machine to ensure a reliable powder supply to the SLM 280 2.0 throughout the entire production process.
The PSV uses a 90-liter powder tank which is sufficient for any production process. Manual filling of powder via individual powder bottles is not necessary. An ultrasonic sieve, which is integrated in the PSV, sieves the available powder just before it is fed into the process so that no oversized particles or foreign objects can find their way into the SLM process. The transport of powder between the PSV and the SLM machine is fully automatic and carried out via vacuum technology.
The PSV uses three independent conveying routes. In addition to supplying the freshly sieved metal powder to the SLM machine, a second conveying route returns the excess metal powder from the overflows back to the PSV. The third conveying route uses a manual suction device to remove the excess metal powder from the process chamber which is then conveyed directly back to the PSV. During this step, a new production process can already be started using the SLM machine whereat the powder supply to the SLM machine is then prioritized. Fresh powder is either supplied through the direct connection of powder containers to the powder tank from the PSV or through the emptying of the powder container in the process chamber via a suction device.
Powder transport, powder sieving and the storage of the powder take place in a closed system with inert gas atmosphere. Contactless powder handling ensures maximum safety at work.