Protolabs has announced a major breakthrough with the launch of vapour smoothing for 3D-printed parts. This automated post-processing technology is a significant advancement for additive manufacturing because it further enhances a plastic component’s surface finish on even the most complex geometries. Vapour smoothing is currently available for the commonly used PA-12 nylon material, plus TPU-01 elastic material.

Andrea Landoni, Protolabs EMEA’s 3D printing product manager, says: “Although 3D printing allows an engineer to design and produce complex parts and is ideal for low production runs when compared with injection moulding, the surface finish of the latter is far smoother. Now, using vapour smoothing, we can bridge that gap for additive manufactured parts, smoothing and sealing even the smallest cavities on the surface. This allows components in these materials to be used for a wider range of applications that demand a very fine smooth finish for aesthetic and functional reasons.”

The process also improves a part’s mechanical properties with increased elongation at break and impact strength, while the sealed and smoother surfaces are water/airtight and easier to clean.

“As the finishing process is automated, it can be used for far more geometries than a manual smoothing process, which can be limited due to reaching difficult to access areas,” says Landoni. “This means that you can have all the advantages of additive manufacturing and achieve a component surface finish that is comparable to injection moulding.”

Following production of the parts using selective laser sintering (SLS) or Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), the team at Protolabs transfers the components into a smoothing chamber which heats them and introduces a finishing agent. Under carefully controlled conditions, this agent evaporates and the vapour spreads across all surfaces of the part. This causes them to melt, liquefy and redistribute material to even out any peaks and troughs.

For further information
www.protolabs.co.uk

Offering the cost-effective grinding of tools of up to 125 mm diameter, 235 mm long and 12 kg in weight, the new Helitronic G 200 is the latest addition to Walter’s range of tool grinding and erosion machines. Making its public debut at the GrindingHub 2022 exhibition (17-20 May, Stuttgart, and available in the UK from Walter Ewag UK), the compact machine occupies a footprint of less than 2.3 sq m and features Walter’s characteristic ergonomic design and quality build principles.

With a maximum grinding wheel diameter of 150 mm, the Helitronic G 200 features a low-vibration solid mineral cast bed and is of C-frame construction for damping and temperature stability. The linear X, Y and Z axes mirror Walter’s quality standards, while the rotating A and C axes have torque motors for maximised usage with minimal service.

The machine’s flexibility is enhanced with the use of Walter’s Top Loader loading system (pictured), which obviates extra space requirements – and provides easy access – by being integrated into the working envelope. Suitable for tools of 3 to 16 mm diameter, Top Loader can accommodate 500 tools of 3 mm diameter, for example, on its Walter-standard robot pallets.

Available with a swivelling, multi-function touch panel featuring a 21.5 inch monitor, the Helitronic G 200 also utilises Walter’s established Helitronic Tool Studio grinding software for ease of programming.

For further information
www.walter-machines.com

Cutting tool manufacturers have always had the inconvenience of producing solid-carbide and PCD cutting tools on two separate machines. However, Vollmer has eradicated this issue with its versatile new VHybrid 260 solution that can grind carbide tools and erode PCD tools on a single platform.

Importantly, the VHybrid 260 allows users to switch between grinding and erosion processes in next to no time. Utilising Vollmer’s proprietary multi-layered machining technology (first proven in the company’s Vgrind series), the vertical alignment of two spindles allows the grinding and electrode wheelsets to pivot the C axis and ensure operators always achieve optimal results. This configuration allows users to combine both processes. If the tool requires both grinding and erosion, the VHybrid 260 can create one complete and efficient machining process for all tool production requirements.

The multi-layered spindle configuration allows the grinding of carbide tools with diameters of up to 150 mm on the top spindle, whereas the bottom spindle can accommodate both grinding and erosion. Here, the finely tuned Vpulse EDM erosion generator delivers surface finishes to a roughness of 0.1 μRa.

Vollmer has factored automation and ease of use into every element of the VHybrid 260, including the tool loading and unloading facilities. Here, Vollmer offers several options with its HC4 chain magazine that has space for 39 HSK-63A tools or up to 158 shank-type tools with a maximum weight of 5 kg. Alternatively, for manufacturers producing larger tools, Vollmer offers the HC4 Plus, which provides space for 160 shank type tools or 40 HSK-63A tool holders with a tool diameter of 80 mm. With larger tool diameters of up to 150 mm, there is space for 20 HSK-63A tool holders with a maximum weight for individual tools up to 10 kg.

For further information
www.vollmer-group.com