Chinese manufacturer Eplus3D has unveiled a significant development in metal 3D printing at TCT Asia 2025, focusing on the successful laser melting of pure copper and copper alloys. These materials, long considered challenging in powder bed-based laser melting due to their high reflectivity and thermal conductivity, are now being processed more effectively thanks to Eplus3D’s advancements.
Traditionally, standard red laser sources struggle with energy absorption in copper powders, leading to production issues such as incomplete melting, porosity, delamination, and thermal stresses. Eplus3D addresses this by implementing optimized exposure strategies and adapted process control, achieving reliable results without requiring hardware modifications.
A major highlight of the booth was a CuCrZr turbine rotor with a diameter of 1030 mm, produced on the EP-M1250 system. According to the company, the component achieves a density of 99.97% while maintaining thermal conductivity critical for heat-intensive applications. These features are especially valuable in aerospace, where copper components are used in heat exchangers or engine-adjacent structures.
With large-format PBF systems such as the EP-M2050, EP-M1550, and EP-M1250, Eplus3D positions itself as a provider of industrial-scale additive serial production. The ability to process copper and its alloys reliably significantly expands the material portfolio of these machines. Beyond aerospace, potential applications include electronics and the automotive industry, where high thermal or electrical conductivity is essential.
Through its presentation at TCT Asia 2025, Eplus3D reinforces its ambition to push the boundaries of metal 3D printing materials. Further insights into its process strategies and ongoing projects are expected at AMUG 2025 in Chicago.
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