The detail is built on a platform [1] which is gradually lowered during the process.
Like SLS technology, the powder is lifted [2] and spread over the work platform. In this case, it is done by a scraper [3] which distributes a powder layer with a thickness of 0.07-0.12 mm. The powder is pre heated to just below the melting point.
At the next stage of the process, two different liquids (agents) are applied through a print head [4] with a nozzle that covers the entire width of the work surface. This means that only one continuous passage is required to deposit the agents with a resolution of 1200dpi. The full width means that production time is not affected by the number of details or area on the cross section. Two passages may be used for increased precision.
One agent is a "Fusing Agent" applied to the cross section of the material where the material will merge and the other a "Detailing Agent" applied just outside the contour to support cooling.
At the end of each cycle heat energy is applied generated from flash lamps [5] which causes the powder to melt where "Fusing Agent" has been applied.
The process is repeated until the full height of the detalil is built. The enitire bed is then slowly cooled down to room temperature.
Finally, the excess material is vacuumed and reused. Normal post-processing is simple and fast blasting to remove rests of powder.
Because the building platform together with the powder cartridge is a separate unit, it can easily be exchanged with a new one to quickly get started with the next job while the previous is cooled down, which further makes this one of the most productive additive manufacturing methods on the market.
