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3T Steps Closer to Rapid Manufacturing

Since 3T RPD Ltd started in business in late 1999 there has consistently been a significant focus on laser sintering. The first machine, an EOS P360, was followed within the year by a DTM 2500 Plus and a second EOS P360. This reflected the rapid acceptance of 3T's product quality, commitment to service and progressive stance in driving forward the functionality available from laser sintering. Now, two years on, 3T is pleased to announce the acquisition of the world's largest laser sintering machine, the P700 from EOS.

Installation has been driven by customer demand on two fronts; firstly, the ever increasing size of parts that customers are requesting and secondly, the steadily increasing batch sizes that are being sought.

The P700 will allow the vast majority of parts to be built in a single piece, a common requirement for optimum material properties when the component is to undergo aggressive functional testing. With a build volume of 700 x 380 x 580mm this will allow minimal jointing on all but the largest components. The build speed of the twin laser system will also have a beneficial impact on delivery times and allow even the largest jobs currently considered to be shipped within 7 days.

Rapid Manufacturing is still in its infancy, however 3T is once again setting the pace. Projects are regularly handled that call off hundreds of parts, all produced through laser sintering. Projects that allow component design to be optimised for the process, through part reduction, integration, functionality etc. have already been completed and others are currently being sought. The increased capacity will help to further raise the quantities that can be economically produced through this technique and hence the impact of laser sintering on manufacturing.

With their high volume production capability, the ability to offer coloured and coated components, as well as ongoing research and development into post processing, 3T are continuing to make technological breakthroughs in the developing Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing markets.

Tim Plunkett, CEO of 3T, says "The purchase of the P700 further consolidates our commitment to the Rapid Prototyping industry and supports moves made earlier this year to focus on our core business activity. Laser Sintering as a technology still has significant untapped potential that 3T intends to deliver to the market, both through prototyping and manufacturing. This latest acquisition will allow us to focus on providing our customers with the best components available, in the shortest leadtimes possible".

For more information see our Technical Data page.

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