INDUSTRY NEWS
Distance Control in 3D Printing Source: Bestech
Micro laser sintering technology is an additive production technology based on digital 3D design data, whereby a component is constructed layer-by-layer from metal powders using a laser beam. This procedure is also known as industrial 3D printing. Initially, a powder layer is applied and then pulled off in order to generate the desired thickness, all through the use of a squeegee. The powder is melted to form the coating layer and then the platform is lowered. These processes are repeated until the components are completed. This advanced printing technology requires a system that can exactly position the squeegee to the base surface. The capacitive displacement sensor, from Micro Epsilon is used for controlling the distance. Up to four sensors are used in this particular application. The planarity of the descending construction platform must be inspected, before the process starts, through the use of three CS02 sensors integrated into an add-on module. Capacitive sensors are ideal for this measurement task due to their robustness and flexibility to interchange between sensors. Capacitive measurement principle
is suitable for measurement on all electrically conductive materials, as it has superior accuracy and stability and high bandwidth for dynamic measurement tasks. It is also suitable to be used in clean and vacuum environments.
The sensors and the controller can be easily exchanged without requiring additional calibration. When the measurement is conducted in a clean environment, it can offer unmatched precision in sub-nanometer resolution.
High Precision Profile Scanner Compact, Integrated System with high profile resolution • • • •
Sensitive optical components Up to 2048 points / profile Innovative exposure control Red and Blue laser
Smart controller for integrated profile measurement (gap, step, radius, etc)
www.bestech.com.au Email: enquiry@bestech.com.au
Call: (03) 9540 5100
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY LOCAL SUPPORT WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU
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JUNE 2021 | 29
