Matsuura to debut Lumex 3D printer series to North America

Sep. 11, 2017 – Matsuura Machinery USA will debut its Lumex 3D printer hybrid series to the North American market at Additive Manufacturing Americas 2017, being held in Pasadena, Calif., December 6-8.

The Matsuura Lumex Avance series, comprising the Lumex Avance-25 and Lumex Avance-60 machines, combines selective laser sintering (SLS) and high-speed milling (HSM) and is intended to manufacture “highly complex, integrated dies, molds and parts in shapes and configurations previously not attainable using traditional milling methods,” says the company. The Avance-25 model is predominantly used in the high-value die and mold market, says Matsuura, noting that it can process parts up to 256 x 256 x 185 mm as standard, although there is an option that allows for processing parts up to 256 x 256 x 300. Dies and molds featuring complex geometries can be fabricated as single pieces, said to shorten lead times, and reduce costs to half or one-third those of conventional manufacturing methods, says the company. Meanwhile, the Avance-60 offers a maximum work size and is able to process parts up to 600 x 600 x 500 mm and incorporates a 1 kW laser for shorter sintering times. The Avance-60 features a fully integrated, automatic powder supply, collection and recycling system. Metal powders are distributed in the sintering chamber without the need for operator contact, eliminating powder dispersion and ensuring a safer working environment, adds the company.