In a game-changing development for the additive manufacturing industry, BLT has unveiled the new green laser technology that promises to transform the 3D printing of copper and copper alloy. This innovation tackles issues of low product quality and low efficiency of copper printing, opening up new possibilities across multiple sectors.
Copper 3D Printing Bottleneck Solved
Despite its excellent thermal and electrical properties, copper has long been a troublesome material for 3D printing. Traditional infrared lasers struggle with copper’s high reflectivity, resulting in inefficient printing processes and subpar product quality.
BLT green laser solution offers the following advantages:
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Enhanced absorption and efficiency:
The green laser (532nm) is absorbed by copper at a 40% rate, compared to only 5% for the infrared laser (1064nm). This significant improvement leads to more efficient melting and sintering, reducing energy waste and processing time.
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Improved melting pool stability:
The new solution controls melting pool temperature more precisely, mitigating the rapid changes caused by copper’s high conductivity. This leads to higher product density and better mechanical properties.
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Reduced reflection and splatter:
By addressing copper’s reflectivity issues that are common with infrared lasers, the green laser technology decreases spatter, improves surface quality, and minimizes post-processing, boosting overall efficiency and safety.
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Superior component performance:
Copper components created with green lasers have increased thermal and electrical conductivity. This improvement is particularly crucial for industries such as electronics, automotive, and aerospace, where these properties are essential for component performance.
A New Frontier for Precious Metals
BLT’s innovation also extends to other precious metals like gold, silver, platinum and iridium, opening up new possibilities for various fields. This breakthrough has opened up new opportunities in medical device manufacturing, advanced electronics, aerospace components, and luxury goods production, where precious metals and delicate designs of 3D printing can be combined.
As BLT continues to refine the green laser technology, the potential applications seem boundless. From more efficient electronics to revolutionary medical implants, this breakthrough paves the way for a new era of metal 3D printing, promising exciting developments in the years to come.