GPI Prototype adds aluminium option with new Direct Metal Laser Sintering machine

GPI Prototype, based in Lake Bluff, IL, USA, has announced that it has completed the installation of a third Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) machine supplied by EOS GmbH. The additional EOSINT M270 joins the EOSINT M270 & M280 machines currently being used at GPI to build metal parts. The addition of a third machine expands their DMLS material selection to include aluminium.

DMLS offers many advantages over traditional tooling including the ability to manufacture complex geometries and shapes not possible with CNC machining. Conformal cooling channels can also be integrated into designs to dramatically reduce injection molding cycle/lead times and lower costs.

GPI offers six material choices for DMLS including Stainless Steel (GP1 & PH1), Titanium (Ti64), Cobalt Chrome (MP1), Maraging Steel (MS1) & Nickel Alloy (IN718). GPI is in the testing phase for aluminium and will be dedicating the EOSINT M280 machine to aluminium parts in the next month.

GPI also announced that they have received their International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Registration. ITAR regulates the export and import of U.S. military and defence related equipment and information. Companies receiving this certification have corporate procedures and controls in place to ensure compliance. The ITAR Registration allows GPI to support military and defence-related projects in the United States.