Milling-combined laser metal sintering system and production of injection molds with sophisticated functions

The first system of milling-combined laser metal sintering is developed, combining a laser-assisted metal sintering and a milling process. In this process, the periphery of the sintered layers is machined by endmill in each several sintering steps. Smooth surface is obtained after the one process. Applying to the mold manufacturing process, many characteristics is achieved. Firstly, it halved the lead time required in the conventional machining processes. Secondly, the mold with deep ribs can be manufactured in one process. Thirdly, adequate cooling channel can be composed freely. These sophisticated functions improve the injection mold accuracy and mold cycles.