GPI Expands Additive Manufacturing Capabilities

GPI Prototype and Manufacturing Services Inc. has installed a third direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) machine from Electro Optical Systems (EOS). This second EOSINT M270 machine joins an EOSINT M280 that also is being used at GPI to build metal parts additively. The overall addition of a third machine expands the company’s DMLS material capabilities to include aluminum.

DMLS often is preferred over traditional tooling due to its ability to manufacture complex geometries and shapes not possible with computer numerical control (CNC) machining. Conformal cooling channels also can 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, titanium, cobalt chrome, maraging steel and nickel alloy. GPI is in the testing phase for aluminum and will begin using the EOSINT M280 machine exclusively for aluminum parts within the next month.

Additional services provided by GPI include stereolithography, selective laser sintering, 3-D printing, fused deposition modeling, room temperature vulcanization, investment casting, tooling, CNC machining, finishing, painting and laser scanning.

GPI specializes in rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing using additive technologies. The company is headquartered in Lake Bluff, Ill.

Photo of DMLS machines courtesy of GPI Prototype and Manufacturing Services Inc.