Concept Laser GmbH is an independent company which is the pioneer of 3D metal printing. A total of about 500 workers are employed at the company, working in production areas covering around 17,000 m2.

It was back in 1958 that senior partner Siegfried Hofmann founded the company Werkzeugbau Hofmann in a garden shed. Starting from humble beginnings ? and shaped by his absolute desire for innovation ? the company has evolved over the course of five decades into a corporate group which today is one of the most renowned companies in the plastics-processing industry. 

Over 50 years of experience in injection-moulding and mould-making bear witness to a real passion for pioneering technology.

Concept Laser GmbH was established in 2000 and it regards itself as a pioneer in the field of laser fusing technology, working across lots of different sectors of industry with the patented LaserCUSING® method.

The high quality standards, many years of experience and references of Concept Laser are synonymous with process-reliable and cost-effective machine solutions which demonstrate their effectiveness in everyday production.

LaserCUSING® - Laser melting with metals

The term LaserCUSING®, made up of the letter C from CONCEPT Laser and the word FUSING (complete melting), describes the technology: 

The fusion process can generate components layer-by-layer using 3D CAD data.

The special thing about the LaserCUSING® machines is the stochastic exposure strategy in line with the "island principle". The segments of each individual layer ? so-called "islands" ? are worked through in succession. The patented process ensures a significant reduction in stresses within the component, which allows solid and large-volume components to be generated with low warping.

The LaserCUSING® layer construction process allows the fabrication of both mould inserts with close-contour cooling and direct components for the jewellery, medical, dental, automotive and aerospace sectors. This applies to both prototypes and batch parts.

The technology

In the metal laser melting process, standard commercial batch materials in powder form are locally fused by a high-energy fibre laser. During the laser process, the one-component metal powder is completely fused. Following setting, the material solidifies. This means that the finished component is provided with almost ideal material properties.

The contour of the component is produced by directing the laser beam using a mirror deflecting unit (scanner). The component is built up layer by layer by lowering the bottom of the installation space, applying more powder and melting again.

The process offers the following advantages:

Freedom of geometry ? complex component geometries or component geometries which cannot be produced by conventional means can be produced without using any tools with the laser melting process. There are no limits on the fabrication of components with hollow or grid structures on the inside with this technology.

green technology - The LaserCUSING® process is a production process which produces almost no waste. Metal powder which has not been melted can be fully reused without any material being lost for further processes.

Furthermore, the laser process is almost emission-free. Thanks to the high level of efficiency of the laser systems which are used at Concept Laser, the energy which is introduced is efficiently converted into working capacity.

Near net shape ? The production of components with a near-net-shape or ready-to-install geometry shortens the fabrication time and saves costs.

Unimagined possibilities with LaserCUSING®

Both mould inserts with close-contour cooling and direct components for the jewellery, medical, dental, automotive and aerospace sectors can be fabricated with the LaserCUSING® layer construction process.

LaserCUSING® opens up new prospects in terms of efficiency and speed for more efficient product development.

With regard to mass production, the generative metal laser melting process can be used to implement new product ideas as well as metallic components which are subject to high mechanical/thermal loading.

Individually, flexibly, quickly and cost-effectively! You will find more detailed information about our products under the respective sector.

Ref.: http://www.concept-laser.de/en