Bright Laser Technologies (BLT) has announced a breakthrough in the field of additive manufacturing with the development of its high-precision METAL LPBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion) technology. This innovation marks a significant advancement, enabling the production of micro-parts with unparalleled surface finish and precision.
BLT's new technology addresses the limitations of traditional METAL LPBF methods, which typically struggle with surface roughness and manufacturing accuracy for small and intricate components.
Traditional METAL LPBF technology is widely recognized for its ability to manufacture complex components. However, it generally excels at producing parts with larger feature sizes, where surface roughness ranges from 5-20μm and manufacturing precision is above 0.1mm. Recognizing the growing demand for smaller and more precise components, BLT team embarked on a multi-year exploration, optimizing equipment, processes, software, and raw materials. The result is a groundbreaking high-precision METAL LPBF technology capable of achieving surface roughness as low as Ra 2-3μm and precision below 0.05mm.
Final Model Diagram
To demonstrate the capabilities of this technology, BLT team used algorithmic digital design to create an F-RD topology structure model. The F-RD structure is a type of periodic minimal surface characterized by distinct hyperbolic features and complex curvature variations. With principal curvature radii ranging from approximately 0.5mm to +∞ (straight line), the algorithm-generated model exhibits rich curvature dynamics. The final formed part showcases the effects of different inclinations on the local surface texture within the same layer thickness.
By comparing parts formed with traditional 60μm, 40μm, and 20μm layers against those produced with BLT's 10μm high-precision METAL LPBF technology, the results were striking. The surface quality improved significantly, with roughness decreasing from Ra 7μm, 6μm, and 5μm to Ra 2.6μm. The high-precision parts exhibited a smooth, refined surface free from the layer lines typically associated with additive manufacturing.
BLT's high-precision METAL LPBF technology has already been successfully applied in various industries, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness.
Case Study 1: Medical Component
This medical structural component has a maximum diameter of 3mm, with eight 0.3mm fluid channels and a minimum wall thickness of 0.09mm between them. Traditional METAL LPBF technology is unable to achieve the precision required for such intricate internal channels. Utilizing BLT's high-precision METAL LPBF technology, the part was successfully manufactured with all fluid channels intact and no wall breaches. The dimensional accuracy deviation was within 0.05mm, meeting stringent quality standards and eliminating the risk of cracks or deformations during use.
Case Study 2: Advanced Structural Component
In collaboration with the MicroNeuro project team, BLT developed an advanced structural component with a minimum wall thickness of just 0.15mm. Traditional manufacturing faced difficulties in positioning, processing, and stability. BLT's high-precision METAL LPBF technology overcame these challenges, significantly reducing development time, lowering material costs, and improving material utilization efficiency. The resulting parts exhibited superior surface finish and flatness, meeting all surface roughness requirements and ensuring consistent quality in batch production.
Case Study 3: Stainless Steel Threaded Part
This stainless steel threaded part with a minimum thickness of 0.1mm and a forming angle of 30° posed a challenge for conventional METAL LPBF methods, which required additional support structures for the threads. BLT's high-precision METAL LPBF technology successfully formed the part without the need for support structures, achieving a surface roughness of Ra≤1.6μm through simple sandblasting.
BLT's high-precision METAL LPBF technology makes mass production of micro-parts feasible and will remain committed to continuous research and innovation, expanding the application scenarios of METAL LPBF technology, driving the development and evolution of additive manufacturing, and offering unparalleled turnkey solutions for clients across various sectors.