MPRINT One Click Metal - LPBF Metal 3D Printer

LPBF and BOLDERSERIES

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology in metal additive manufacturing uses a laser to selectively fuse fine metal powders layer by layer, enabling complex geometries and material efficiency that traditional subtractive methods, which remove material to shape objects, often cannot achieve. Unlike subtractive manufacturing, LPBF minimizes material waste and allows for the creation of intricate internal structures without the need for assembly.

Video 1: The BOLDSERIES by One Click Metal. Source: One Click Metal.

The MPRINT industrial 3D printer from One Click Metal exemplifies LPBF technology with its smart design and efficiency, featuring a 200 W fiber laser and patented cartridge system for a clean, safe workflow. As part of the BOLDSERIES, it integrates seamlessly with CAD software (e.g., Autodesk Fusion 360), the MONE software (upload design, monitor printing process, control powder levels), the MPUREpro unpacking and sieving machine (contactless unpacking and sieving), and optional post-processing (e.g., support removal, sandlblasting, polishing, etc.) to deliver high productivity and precision across diverse applications.

Image 1: The complete LPBF metal 3D printing process with the solutions from One Click Metal. Source: One Click Metal.

This solution is built on four key principles tailored to meet customers' requirements: a powder and cartridge system that simplifies and secures powder handling; a co-thinking philosophy that provides comprehensive user support; an integrated product solution that delivers a seamless system chain; and an affordable entry point that facilitates swift adoption of additive manufacturing technology.

Image 2: A custom mounting bracket 3D printed on the MPRINT printer with stainless steel 1.4404. Source: One Click Metal.

The BOLDSERIES production chain is ideally suited for a variety of applications, including product development, where it facilitates the creation of innovative designs and functional prototypes. In prototyping, it enables rapid iteration and testing of new concepts. For industrial production, it excels in manufacturing individual parts as well as small or large series with high precision and efficiency.

Video 2: The complete workflow with the BOLDERSERIES. Source: One Click Metal.

Additionally, it supports research and development by providing a robust platform for experimenting with new materials and processes. The BOLDSERIES is also valuable in educational settings, offering students hands-on experience with cutting-edge additive manufacturing technology.

The MPRINT 3D printer

The MPRINT 3D printer features a standard square build module of 150 x 150 mm with a maximum height of 150 mm, making it ideal for producing prototypes and small industrial parts and series. For added versatility, users can opt for a heating build module with the same build volume or a lab module with a build volume of 78 x 53 x 90 mm. The lab module is an ingenious solution since it allows the user to 3D print smaller metal parts for specialized applications without using the cartridge system of the BOLDSERIES.

Video 3: The interchangeable build modules for the MPRINT printer. Source: One Click Metal.

The MPRINT 3D printer offers a layer height range of 20-80 µm, and is equipped with a 200 W fiber laser featuring a 70 µm focus diameter, and a Galvo scanner with a scanning speed of up to 3000 mm/s. Thanks to these parameters, MPRINT is capable of manufacturing fine geometries and lattice structures in a relatively short time.

Image 3: This 22-component mini-series took about 21 hours to print. Source: One Click Metal.

The 22-part series from Image 3 took only about 21 hours to print. Utilizing inert gases like nitrogen or argon with a replaceable safe gas filter, the printer operates with an X-profile powder application system, 5 supply cartridges, and offers a 250 % oversupply of the build volume at maximum capacity, making it especially useful for large print jobs.

Image 4: The 200 W fiber laser with a 70 µm focus diameter ensures unparalleled precision. Source: One Click Metal.

The patented cartridge system by One Click Metal simplifies powder handling compared to traditional buckets, reducing direct powder contact and enabling easy operation of the BOLDSERIES even for inexperienced users. Designed with ergonomic principles, the cartridges can hold up to 8 kg of powder and are easily manageable by hand, promoting user health and safety. Distinct colors for supply and overflow containers prevent mix-up errors and maintain powder quality assurance. 

Image 5: The patented cartridge system reduces direct contact with powder and simplifies the entire process. Source: One Click Metal.

Enhanced with NFC-tag technology, the system ensures material safety by preventing the use of incompatible materials and automatically tracking usage cycles. All supported materials like stainless steel, aluminum, tool steel, titanium, and nickel alloy have undergone rigorous compatibility testing and parameter optimization, guaranteeing optimized results for various applications.

Image 6: The optimal installation conditions for the MPRINT printer. Source: One Click Metal.

The MPRINT 3D printer requires a power supply of 230 V / 50-60 Hz and is protected by a 16 A fuse. The printer measures 1.1 x 1.9 x 0.79 meters and weighs 440 kg, and requires a set of conditions for optimal operation: a room of at least 15-20 m², ESD floor covering or an ESD mat, a cleanroom adhesive mat at the entrance to minimize powder distribution, an ATEX vacuum cleaner, and air conditioning to maintain consistent climate conditions.

The MONE digital platform

The MONE digital platform serves as a comprehensive tool for remote monitoring and control of the MPRINT 3D printer, allowing users to oversee current construction jobs from anywhere via PC, tablet, or smartphone. MONE offers a machine overview where multiple MPRINT 3D printers can be added and individually managed.

Image 7: The MONE digital platform completes the smart BOLDERSERIES holistic process chain. Source: One Click Metal.

With access to the built-in camera, users can track print progress and estimate remaining job times. MONE also facilitates monitoring of powder supply levels with predictive cartridge replacement alerts. Additionally, users can upload build jobs, plan schedules, and seamlessly initiate print jobs in just six straightforward steps through its intuitive interface, ensuring efficient operation and consistent, error-free results from start to finish.

Complete BOLDERSERIES workflow

MPUREpro unpacking and sieving station

The MPUREpro unpacking and sieving station features an unpacking chamber with a glove box for bulk powder removal without direct contact, a connector for an external ATEX vacuum cleaner, and a sieving unit for powder recycling with an ultrasonic sieve. The sieved powder is automatically collected in a supply cartridge for reuse, while oversized powder is separated for disposal. This separation of supply and overflow cartridges avoids risk of material mix-ups.

Video 4: The powder management and powder circulation with the BOLDSERIES machines. Source: One Click Metal.

Similarly to the MPRINT printer, the MPUREpro unpacking and sieving station requires a power supply of 230 V / 50-60 Hz and comes with a 16 A fuse protection. The MPUREpro station measures 1.1 x 1.9 x 0.79 m and weighs 310 kg. Together with the MPRINT LPBF 3D printer, this contactless powder unpacking and sieving station offers a unique metal 3D printing solution for a wide range of sectors such as mechanical engineering, tool making, automotive, dental, medical, aerospace or jewelry.