SLM Solutions Group AG has sold two more SLM500s printers to Rolls-Royce. The company previously purchased SLM500s as part of the journey to transfer their expertise and knowledge gained on single-laser solutions to multi-laser platforms. These additional machines are part of the pre-production ramp-up for the Pearl10X.
Rolls-Royce will be using the systems for the manufacturing of aero engine components. These SLM500s will be utilized to 3D print complex combustor tiles – achieving valuable weight and emission reduction, ultimately contributing an overall 5% increase in efficiency to the world-class environmental performance of the Pearl10X, compared to its predecessor. The Pearl10X is the most powerful member of the market-leading Pearl engine family and has been designed specifically for the Dassault Falcon 10X – a highly advanced jet aircraft.
With more than 3,600 business jets powered by Rolls-Royce engines in service – the company remains the world’s leading engine supplier in the business jet market.
Manufacturing on Demand
“Additive layer manufacturing enables the delivery of complex high-performing assemblies which cannot be manufactured using conventional techniques. For example, these combustor tiles include cooling holes which turn the air through 180 degrees maximizing efficiency whilst reducing emissions. This repeat order reflects the close and successful relationship between the Rolls-Royce and SLM teams,” said Richard Mellor, Chief Manufacturing Engineer for Additive Layer Manufacturing for Rolls-Royce.
“Having a high-profile company such as Rolls-Royce as a returning customer is really gratifying,” commented Sam O’Leary, CEO of SLM Solutions. “We are committed to forging relationships like these with our team of experts every step of the way, ensuring our customers’ success through close collaboration.”
The first quad-laser metal system on the market, SLM500 printers can integrate lasers independently or in parallel to increase build rates by 90% over twin laser configurations. Machine operator and powder are separated through a closed loop powder handling strategy with an automated powder sieve and supply. Designed for serial production – the exchangeable build cylinder enables the shortest possible fire to fire times, reducing machine downtimes to a minimum.
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Author: Edward Wakefield
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