The Matsuura LUMEX Series from Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. is a powder bed metal additive manufacturing (AM) platform with subtractive capability. The series’ Avance-25 metal laser sintering hybrid milling machine relies on one-machine, one-process manufacturing of complex molds and parts by fusing metal laser sintering (3D SLS) technology with high-speed milling (HSM) technology. The machine enables production of complicated parts through total manufacturing by digital engineering using 3D data.
The Matsuura LUMEX Avance-25 predominantly serves the high-value, high-accuracy mold and die market. The machine is capable of achieving high accuracy in part fabrication because the metal powders are melted and sintered with a laser, while the surfaces are precisely milled at high speeds. Moldmakers can incorporate 3D cooling channels into molds in the single setup, thereby increasing cooling efficiency and enabling high-cycle injection molding with improved quality and precision.
The Matsuura LUMEX Avance-25 is capable of producing differentiated, original parts with internal structures and that the machine is capable of quick-turn production of custom parts, whether prototypes or small, production-run parts. The Matsuura LUMEX Avance-25 is capable of processing parts up to 256 mm x 256 mm x 185 mm with an option of processing 256 mm × 256 mm × 300 mm.
Matsuura’s combination of additive and subtractive technologies enables the production of parts and component geometries in a method that has never been possible or imagined. Often referred to as a “one machine, one process” system, the Matsuura Lumex series permits production of the most complex and challenging parts through total manufacturing by digital engineering using 3-D data.
“The use of AM technology and hybrid AM in particular, requires the part/mold designer to re-evaluate all past practices especially as they relate to utilizing creative geometries, such as hollow structures, that were not possible before. Variable density material properties help with weight reduction and in injection mold design for gas venting inserts,” said Tom Houle, LUMEX Director for Matsuura Machinery USA.
The hybrid process of Matsuura’s machines produces highly accurate parts from metal powders that are melted and sintered using a laser while surfaces are precisely milled at high speeds. These machines possess both high-speed milling and laser sintering capability. Engineers are free to conceive innovative ideas and revolutionize conventional manufacturing.
“The hybrid technology creates a ‘finished’ part with machining like surface finish and accuracy without inducing the additional variation caused by multiple machine setups and part handling,” explained Houle.
Matsuura is now offering quick-turn prototyping producing a wide range of parts, including unique functional prototypes and low to mid-volume production runs.
“Due to unprecedented customer interest and demand, Matsuura’s Metal Additive Manufacturing Service Bureau is now providing the production of 3D Metal printed and machined parts,” said Houle.
Matsuura USA established a state-of-the-art Additive Manufacturing Center to promote the use of metal 3D printed parts as a solution to continuing supply chain challenges and delays. Visit our LUMEX Production Services page to learn more.
“The LUMEX team in our Additive Manufacturing Center, along with our collaboration with the Customer Solutions team and machine designers in Japan and Germany, will help customers quickly realize the benefits of additive manufacturing,” Houle added.