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RP+M Expands 3-D Metal Printing Capabilities with New DMLS System

AVON LAKE, Ohio—Rapid Prototype + Manufacturing (rp+m) recently announced new capabilities that the company says will provide engineers, designers, and end-user customers "a comprehensive solution for 3-D printing of metal prototypes and end parts." The company is currently using an EOSINT M 280 Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) system, and is one of the early providers to offer 3D printing of metal materials.

"Using the latest Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology, we not only can provide leading 3-D printing capabilities in metal, but also serve as a solutions provider and resource for our customers and the industry," said Matt Hlavin, CEO of rp+m, in a release from the company. "We are excited to continue expanding the parameters of additive manufacturing by investing in the new technologies and developing holistic 3-D printing solutions that help our customers operate more efficiently."

The EOSINT M 280 creates high-caliber metal products directly from three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) data without the need for tooling. The machine's DMLS process builds parts layer by layer by melting fine metal powder with a laser beam, resulting in reproducible-quality components regardless of geometric complexity. Using this technology, customers in the aerospace, medical, or industrial sectors can rapidly produce patterns, products, or tools in a wide range of metal materials.

The company also announced that to further its ability to provide holistic, best-in-class 3-D printing solutions across a growing portfolio of materials, it has hired materials scientist and additive manufacturing expert Ed Herderick, Ph.D., as director of R&D. In his new role, Herderick will help expand rp+m's product and service offerings and identify strategic growth opportunities to enhance technical excellence in additive manufacturing.

"A machine like the EOSINT M 280 is a phenomenal tool for flexible 3-D printing in metals, but the key to producing truly excellent and highly-specified parts lies in the upfront design and finishing," said Herderick in the release. "I am delighted to be part of a team that focuses on pioneering new research and delivering comprehensive solutions that meet our customers' needs today and in the future."

Prior to joining rp+m, Herderick served as director of the Additive Manufacturing Consortium (AMC) at Edison Welding Institute (EWI), where he managed the consortium of industry, government, and academic partners and also formulated and executed EWI's strategic development plan for additive manufacturing.

Herderick has a doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering from The Ohio State University. He serves on the board of directors for The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS) as director of public and governmental affairs and also volunteers his time with the American Ceramic Society (ACerS), where he is involved in several committees.

Rapid Prototype + Manufacturing (www.rpplusm.com) provides rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, rapid manufacturing, and 3D printing and scanning in-house. While the company's engineering staff can help design, fabricate, and fine-tune prototypes, rp+m can also use its digital manufacturing equipment to create end-use parts on demand.