Re: Selective Laser Sintering/Hot Isostatic Pressing

From: Andrew Nowicki (andrew_at_nospam.com)
Date: 02/09/05 

To: sci-space-tech@moderators.isc.org
Date: Wed, 09 Feb 2005 07:04:20 +0100

Old but good description of industrial systems:
http://www.memagazine.org/backissues/september99/features/powder/powder.html

Aluminum parts made by selective laser sintering:
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/data/301/5637/1225/DC1/1

3D Systems Inc. Sinterstation costs about $300,000. It
can make metal parts as large as 14"x12"x17. It has small,
reliable 30 watt CO2 laser:
http://www.3dsystems.com/products/sls/sinterstation_hiq/index.asp

Optomec's LENS 850 System is much more expensive. Its 1000
watt Nd:YAG laser is so powerful that the hot isostatic
pressing is not needed. Its powerful laser is well suited for
sintering aluminum powder. It can make metal parts as large
as 18"x18"x42":
http://www.optomec.com/downloads/Optomec-LENS-850-System.pdf

At least two rocket launcher makers are wondering if the
time is right to use this technology. They will probably
wait until the comsat market rebounds.

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