Methods 3D Inc., a subsidiary of Methods Machine Tools Inc., has introduced the 3D Systems’ ProX® SLS 500 Selective Laser Sintering production 3D printer featuring fast speeds, high print resolution and an extensive range of engineered composite materials. The ProX SLS 500 delivers parts with high precision, durability and quality, in a compact production-grade system.

Created for the manufacturing floor, the ProX SLS 500 is the newest generation of SLS printers that redefines production capabilities with repeatable results. This printer produces thermoplastic parts with smooth surfaces and high resolution. Ready-to-use functional parts and complete assemblies suit aerospace, automotive, patient specific medical devices, fashion accessories and mobile device use cases.

The ProX SLS 500 was developed in tandem with the DuraForm ProX materials line to produce smooth wall surfaces, precise edge definition parts with injection molding-like quality.

The integration of the ProX SLS 500 and DuraForm ProX material yields 80% material reusability. Three DuraForm ProX materials used with the ProX SLS 500 include:

• DuraForm ProX PA – an extra strong thermoplastic with good mechanical properties and fine surface quality. Suitable for low-temperature tooling, surgical tooling and saw guides, component housings and manifolds.
• DuraForm ProX GF – Glass-filled material offering best-in-class rigidity and stiffness with tensile, flexural, and impact strength with advanced thermal resistance. This material suits jigs, fixtures, and tooling applications with elevated temperatures.
• DuraForm ProX HST Composite – Mineral-filled material offers high temperature resistant SLS material with a high strength-to-weight ratio. For lightweight, rigid, load bearing parts.

The ProX SLS 500 has a build envelope capacity (X-Y-Z) of 15 in. (381 mm) x 13 in. (330 mm) x 18 in. (460 mm) and is equipped with 3D Systems’ latest print driver, automated part nesting on the fly and an optional, automated material handling module that streamlines production and recycling of materials for an optimal product every time.

“Users can manufacture strong end use parts and functional prototypes fast with the ProX SLS 500. Manufactured parts from the ProX SLS 500 show outstanding resolution, surface finish and edge definition,” said Benjamin Fisk, General Manager, Methods 3D. Inc.”The ProX SLS 500 lowers your cost of ownership with remarkably high throughput, material efficiency and process consistency.” Methods 3D has the ProX SLS 500 installed, and applications engineers are ready to work with customers to implement this technology.

In 2015, Methods Machine Tools announced their partner agreement with 3D Systems including 3D printers, print materials and cloud-sourced custom parts. Through this partnership, Methods 3D, Inc. was created.

Methods 3D, Inc. is comprised of a dedicated team of industry experienced, skilled technical sales and applications engineers.

This partnership enhances Methods’ portfolio of leading-edge precision machine tools and solutions for traditional manufacturing with advanced 3D printing solutions. Methods 3D has added seven new additive manufacturing labs, strategically located at each of Methods Machine Tools’ technology centers including Sudbury, MA (Boston) headquarters; Detroit, MI; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Phoenix, AZ; San Francisco, CA; and Los Angeles, CA.

Methods 3D Inc.
www.methods3d.com