Digital Metal Expands Operations and Doubles Capacity

Serial production of high-precision DM P2500 3D metal printer and complex metal components bolstered

Höganäs, Sweden. – [January 23rd, 2018] – Digital Metal®, the world’s first high-precision 3D metal printer provider, is expanding its operations, increasing the Höganäs plant production area by 50 percent, to support serial manufacturing of its DM P2500 and new components. Since launching in September 2017, the increased demand has also resulted in the need to hire more engineers, technicians and sales employees, as well as investment in new materials R&D.

“Thanks to the great interest, we are now starting serial production of our machines,” says Ralf Carlström, General Manager at Digital Metal. “The first batch will consist of six new printers containing the latest automation electronics. In addition, we have reduced the overall dimensions of the machine, making it more easily positioned at customer sites. While our existing machinery will be upgraded to the latest technology at the same time.”

The distinctive feature of Digital Metal’s binder jetting method is that the components are printed and sintered instead of being melted together with lasers, providing superior resolution and detail accuracy. In addition, the production speed is significantly higher than other 3D printing technologies.

The production plant and office in Höganäs will be expanded by 50 percent. This includes installation of a new vacuum extraction system and increased compression and cooling power, which will allow Digital Metal to double its sintering capacity. There will also be a separate room for quality control and an isolated space for printing with materials that require special handling.

“By developing our range of materials, we can develop new collaborations with companies in industries such as aerospace, where there is a great need for components that can withstand extremely high temperatures, made with superalloys,” says Ralf Carlström.

“For us, this expansion is just a beginning,” adds Ralf Carlström. “We are no longer thinking linearly. Instead, we are primed for exponential growth.”