Aurora Labs AL250 3D printer. Photo credit: Aurora Labs
ASX-listed 3D printing company Aurora Labs has unveiled its new AL250 commercial printer project, marking a significant transition from the RMP-1 printer model to the newly developed AL250 laser powder bed fusion machine.
The company announced in a media release said The AL250 is well on its way to becoming an integral part of the company’s print shop and offers a wide range of technical possibilities.
In addition, it serves as a demonstration model for potential customers who are interested in purchasing machines in the future.
The AL250 has several key technical features that set it apart in the industry. In particular, it includes a bidirectional recoating of the powder bed based on MCP technology.
This approach not only reduces post-coating time, but also increases cost efficiency by allowing longer laser exposure times, the company says.
This feature also enables rapid and cost-effective prototyping and mass production of industrial products, particularly customized parts or components, that were previously unachievable using traditional manufacturing methods.
A key part of the AL250’s functionality is its unique powder dispensing mechanism. This mechanism preconditions the powder with heat before introducing it into the recoating system, ensuring that the powders maintain optimal temperatures for spreading and compaction during the powder coating process.
Consistent powder layup reduces mechanical defects within parts and ensures the production of high quality, repeatable designs.
In addition, the AL250 is equipped with a build plate heater that can reach a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius, expanding its capabilities in materials research. Strict environmental control measures enable precise monitoring of gas flow, recirculation, temperature and humidity in the build chamber during the printing process.
The AL250 has an impressive laser power of 1500W per laser, making it suitable for processing highly reflective or conductive powders such as copper.
In addition, the machine offers efficient and optimized process parameters for handling a wide variety of powder materials, making it a versatile addition to the world of additive manufacturing.
The AL250 printer targets a variety of industries including defense, aerospace, oil and gas, engineering professionals and OEMs with extensive collections of customized parts.
Aurora Labs said demonstrating the printer’s capabilities to tackle complicated challenges through generative design and AL250 printing will be critical to introducing its versatility and capabilities to a broader audience.
