In recent years, two trends have come to dominate the additive manufacturing market. Users are increasingly looking for both large build volumes and compatibility with a wide range of materials. However, it can be hard to find solutions that combine both aspects, especially when it comes to laser powder bed fusion. This is where the S600DL SLS 3D printer from TPM3D shines.
We have previously told you about TPM3D. The Chinese manufacturer has a wide range of SLS 3D printing solutions and is notable for its commitment to enabling simpler, more efficient production in different sectors. In its S Series of 3D printers, to which the S600DL belongs, users will also find the S480, S360, S320HT and S260 which have different build volumes and address diverse needs. For its part, the S600DL 3D printer is a dual-laser solution and has one of the biggest build volumes on the market. For those interested in learning more, check out TPM3D’s booth D51 in Hall 11.0 at Formnext 2024.
The S-Series from TPM3D
What Are the Advantages of Using the S600DL 3D Printer in Large-Scale and Batch Production Applications?
The previously mentioned characteristics are part of what has made the printer so popular in different industries. Looking at an example of a large part, the S600DL was used to make an exceptional piece of installation art, a large 3D printed dragon. This 550 x 550 x 713mm part was printed in one go.
Weighing 3.5 kg, the part was printed in 28 and a half hours with a layer thickness of 0.15 mm. TPM3D notes that the case is interesting because it really shows the S600DL’s stable forming capability and production-level efficiency for large-scale parts. Beyond that, it was also possible to recreate even extremely intricate features on the model including dragon scales and whiskers. Furthermore, the base incorporated lattice and hollow designs, confirming that TPM3D’s materials are strong and can be used with complex designs for more lightweight parts.
3D Printed Dragon Ornament
The wide material compatibility of the machine could also be used to enhance artistic and design possibilities in creative industries. Showing that ultimately the dragon is just scratching the surface of what could be possible.
But of course, a large-build volume is not just suited for XXL parts. It is also ideal when it comes to small and medium batch production. For example, to make eyeglass frames.
The S600DL is able to print about 680 eyeglass frames in one batch, taking around 42 hours at a printing height of 800 mm. This case shows how the machine can use its large-build volume for small-to-medium custom batch production, making it an ideal solution for industries where flexibility and precision in mass customization are necessary. The resulting frames are high-quality according to TPM3D and customized design requests can be efficiently carried out. This latter point in particular makes it interesting for scalable production, such as in the consumer goods sector. As can be seen in the graphic below.
What Are the Characteristics of the TPM3D S600DL 3D Printer?
Now that we have seen how it can be used, it’s time to look more closely at the specs of the printer itself. One of the most impressive is undoubtedly the build volume itself, which, as you can imagine from the size of the dragon model, is large. In fact, it measures 600 x 600 x 800 mm, which, according to TPM3D, making it one of the largest SLS 3D printers currently on the market. It is also the biggest out of the S Series.
For others in the line, although smaller than the S600DL, they continue its commitment to fast, accurate SLS 3D printing. They are all easy to operate with LCD screens and are efficient, with applications including small volume parts and batch production for everything from automotive and aviation to healthcare and consumer goods. The size of their build volume is reflected in their name, the S480 for example measures 480 x 480 x 600mm, the S360 measures 360 x 360 x 600mm, the S320 measures 320 x 320 x 380mm and is compatible with high-performance materials like PEEK and the S260 is a professional-grade AM solution with a build volume of 260 x 260 x 450mm.
Going back to the S600DL, the effective space size of the machine measures around 590 x 590 x 790mm and it is equipped with dual lasers, a dual dynamic focusing system and intelligent collaborative scanning. These features help to expand the building volume while also improving production efficiency without sacrificing the quality of parts. The size of the machine also reduces the need for assembly of parts, thus further increasing production efficiency.
The diverse range of materials that this solution is compatible with are also of interest. The S600DL is compatible with a wide range of different materials including but not limited to PA12, PA11, PA6X, TPU, PP and other composite materials. Given that many of these are favored for applications requiring superior capabilities, this further shows the machine’s suitability in industry.
A Cleaner Manufacturing Environment
The S600DL includes the Part & Powder Processing Station (PPS), an advanced system for efficient powder handling. PPS enables thorough powder removal, recycling, and automated feeding, significantly reducing manual intervention and production costs. By automating powder management, PPS not only increases efficiency but also minimizes dust emissions, contributing to a cleaner work environment. With a powder feeding rate of 50 kg/h and quiet operation, PPS is an ideal solution for sustainable and large-scale industrial production.
Part & Powder Processing Station (PPS)
Looking to the Future With TPM3D
Seeing the S600DL, it should become clear why TPM3D is not only firmly established in its home country, China, but is rapidly expanding globally with its products being positively received in many international markets. Already the company has use cases all over Asia, Europe, America and other countries with more expected to come in 2025 including in other regions of the world. Right now, the company is placing itself as a key player in shaping the future of manufacturing, focusing on automation and efficiency.
The S600DL 3D printer is just one of the products showing the ambition of the company, with its precision, large-build volume and wide range of compatible materials being a winning combination for many different sectors. If you are interested in learning more, be sure to check out TPM3D’s website HERE.
Additionally, the company calls on global distributors and agents to join TPM3D in its mission to revolutionize manufacturing through advanced 3D printing technologies. If you are attending Formnext 2024, be sure to visit TPM3D at Booth D51 in Hall 11.0, although the S600DL will not be on display, the S260 will be along with experts from the company who can help answer any questions.
TPM3D Booth Map
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*All Photo Credits: TPM3D