GROB Metal Printing – How does it work?

The GMP300 uses aluminum wire, an inexpensive and easy-to-handle material compared to powders. This wire is melted and, similar to an inkjet printer, liquid aluminum is printed onto a heated build plate measuring 300 x 300 mm. This enables an extremely fast component build-up with a maximum theoretical printing speed of 200 cm³ per hour. The finished parts are stress-free, ready for immediate use and have outstanding material properties. No mechanical separation or thermal reworking is required and no peripheral equipment or additional safety precautions are needed.

New features and a new design – the GMP300 enters the next generation

The new generation of the GMP300 presents a variety of improved functions, including an improved sealing concept for the build chamber, which ensures an optimal working environment. A moving camera system in the new machine generation monitors gob formation in real time, while a second camera system in the build chamber detects and reports any possible gob offset. The implementation of a second wire feed unit also enables an even faster material change, while accessibility to the wire spools from the outside ensures a simplified safety concept and makes it possible to change materials parallel to production time. Additional sensors for temperature and process monitoring improve the control and quality assurance of the printing process. Furthermore, optimizations have been made in terms of ease of maintenance and accessibility to ensure efficient and problem-free handling. The shielding gas concept has also been improved to increase purity at the nozzle outlet, resulting in higher quality printed parts. Customers can therefore look forward to the new generation of machines taking their printing processes to a new level.

Wide range of applications in additive manufacturing

The GMP300 opens up a wide range of applications that take industrial production to the next level. It enables the production of spare parts on demand without dependence on local supply chains. This flexibility and speed in the production of required components offers companies a decisive advantage in dynamic market environments. Furthermore, the GMP300 enables the cost-effective production of clamps and grippers, as well as the efficient manufacture of tools and fixtures for a wide range of applications. The GMP300 enables the production of permeable structures and grids that are used in mold making or for lightweight components. Another area of application for the GMP300 is the production of thin-walled parts for housings, covers or lightweight structural parts. Looking at the materials that can be machined, it quickly becomes clear that the GMP300 is very versatile. A wide range of aluminum alloys can be processed, such as pure aluminum, aluminum-silicon alloys and also high-strength alloys with magnesium content. In contrast to other 3D printing processes, GROB Metal Printing is a micro-casting process, which is why typical material problems that can occur with welding processes do not occur.

New geometric possibilities in component manufacturing

The innovative technology opens up a wide range of geometric possibilities for users that exceed previous limits and expand the design freedom for engineers and designers. Overhangs of up to 45° are possible without support structures, which makes the design of complex structures much easier. As with other additive processes, support structures must also be printed for larger overhangs. The printed surface is somewhat rougher than with powder bed parts, comparable to the result of sand casting. The printed surface, which on closer inspection still reveals the individual droplet paths, has no influence on the strength. The geometric possibilities in production with the GMP300 from GROB thus open up new perspectives for the design and production of components in a wide range of industrial sectors for a large number of users.

The new generation of the GMP300 will celebrate its premiere at the in-house exhibition in April, which will take place from 16.04. to 19.04. at the main plant in Mindelheim. Visitors will be able to see the new GMP300 for themselves and talk to the experts from the GROB Metal Printing team.