NLC's host of new laser additive-manufacturing technologies
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research's (CSIR's) National Laser Centre (NLC) has introduced several new additive-manufacturing laser technologies, including the Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) technology which, CSIR Laser Materials Processing competence area manager Dr Federico Sciammarella tells Engineering News, is the first of its kind in South Africa.
"The LENS 3D printer uses the geometric information contained in a computer- aided design solid model to automatically drive the process, as it builds a component layer by layer," Sciammarella says, adding that additional software and closed-loop process controls ensure the geometric and mechanical integrity of the completed part. The process is housed in a hermetically sealed chamber, which "keeps the part clean, preventing oxidation," Sciammarella says. Engineering News reports that the system can also be used to refurbish or repair old parts. Newer materials can be used on old parts, making them last longer.
Read the full article on www.engineeringnews.co.za.
