Large, mainstream manufacturers have increasingly entered into the 3D printing space, aiming to leverage years of experience and brand recognition to grab a slice of the growing market. Among those companies is Japanese multinational tech giant Ricoh, which has begun selling industrial 3D printers under the RICOH brand and has already found its first customer, German laser experts Laser Zentrum Nord (LZN).
In a partnership with Japanese selective laser sintering (SLS) manufacturer Aspect, Ricoh rebranded Aspect’s large-format SLS machine as the RICOH AM S5500P. The company is now in the process of marketing the system in Europe, which has led Ricoh to its first customer, LZN.
LZN has purchased the S5500P machine as a means to speed up the company’s 3D printing, research and manufacturing capabilities. First, Ricoh will install the system at LZN to train staff and provide technical support. Then, LZN will cooperate with Ricoh to develop new materials and applications for the technology.
With a substantial build volume of 550 x 550 x 500 mm (21.7 x 21.7 x 19.7 in), the S5500P is capable of 3D printing polyamide 12 and polyamide 11 (PA12, PA11), and a glass bead-reinforced polyamide (PA6GB), as well as flexible, durable polypropylene (PP).
Through the use of eight infrared lamps and the heating of the build chamber on all six sides, the system is capable of maintaining tight thermal control, resulting in greater print quality and the ability to use the aforementioned PA6GB and PP powders. The S5500P features dual powder distribution as well.
LZN has previously demonstrated its expertise in laser technology by laser welding a 3D-printed modular frame for EDAG’s most recent concept car and it also manages a service bureau dedicated to 3D printing called Bionic Production. Through Bionic Production, LZN performs part screening, prints parts on demand and even performs serial production. The division will now use the S5500P system to 3D print components for the aerospace and automotive industries.
To further market the system throughout Europe, Ricoh opened its first RICOH Rapid Fab facility in Telford, England. There the company will provide design, 3D printing, post-processing and inspection services as well as consulting and training. The showroom will also enable potential customers to learn more about 3D printing overall.