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Bosch acquires two quad-laser 3D printers for automotive production

SLM Solutions has recently installed two of its SLM500 quad-laser 3D printers at Robert Bosch Nuremberg. 

Bosch will utilise its new systems to produce parts for its powertrain technology, including custom aluminium parts for hydrogen technology and electric drive productions at its 3D-MPC Manufacturing and Processing Center in Nuremberg, Germany. 

The centre is responsible for producing components and parts using additive manufacturing (AM) for prototype and serial applications.

The SLM500s will significantly increase Bosch's output for aluminium parts in AlSi10Mg, allowing it higher capacity for demanding lot sizes, thus accelerating revenue. The firm's constant production of heavy-duty jobs means it needs a reliable machine base exceeding high-performance requirements regarding output and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

​​"A high OEE, a resilient machine design, and our good quality processes are the keys for AM-production", said Dr Christina Bluemel, Manager of the NuP1 3DP Manufacturing and Processing Center.

SLM Solutions' CEO Sam O'Leary commented, "We are more than thrilled to partner with Bosch, a real technology powerhouse. They understand the revolutionary potential of additive manufacturing and trust the power and reliability of SLM Solutions systems. We are genuinely excited to support Bosch to accelerate the implementation of additive solutions across its entire portfolio of products and solutions."

Bosch's AM presence will also go beyond the automotive industry: finding parallel success in using SLM technology with its 3DPSPACE Startup, which produces parts for the space sector.

The first quad-laser metal system on the market, the SLM500 can integrate lasers independently or in parallel to increase build rates by 90% over twin laser configurations. Designed for serial production, the exchangeable build cylinder enables the shortest possible fire to fire times, reducing downtimes of the machine to a minimum. Machine operator and powder are separated through a closed-loop powder handling strategy, including an automated powder sieve and supply.

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