The AM S5500P can produce “highly durable fabricated object[s]” using the SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) method, whereby powdered material is irradiated with a laser for sintering.
As well as the polymer powders usually used in the method, including PA11 (polyamide) and PA12, PA6 and PP (polypropylene) can be used. Ricoh says the device can create automobile parts for functional tests, as well as end-product parts.
The modeling area is 500mm x 500mm x 500mm, allowing the machine to “fabricate different kinds of parts at the same time, while moulding large parts all at once”. The OEM launched its additive manufacturing business in September 2014, and has been selling third-party 3D printers up until now.
It says it will continue to collaborate with partner Aspect, with whom it created the device, to enhance proprietary material and enhancing functions for the machine.
The 3D printer will be on the market from 30 October in Japan, with sales to Europe and other countries to come soon.