GPI Prototype Adds Third Direct Metal Laser Sintering Machine

Installing this new DLMS system for building metal parts additively offers the manufacturer a competitive advantage in metal rapid prototyping by expanding its material selection to include aluminum.

GPI Prototype & Manufacturing Services, Inc. (Lake Bluff, IL) has completed the installation of a third DMLS machine from EOS of North America, Inc. (Novi, MI). The new EOSINT M 270 joins the EOSINT M270 and M280 machines currently being used on the shop floor to build metal parts additively. This third machine establishes GPI as a leader in metal rapid prototyping and expands their DMLS material selection to include aluminum.

DMLS offers many advantages when compared to traditional tooling, including the ability to manufacture complex geometries and shapes not possible with CNC machining. Conformal cooling channels can also 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 (GP1 and PH1), titanium (Ti64), cobalt chrome (MP1), maraging steel (MS1) and nickel alloy (IN718). The plant is in the testing phase for aluminum and will be dedicating the EOSINT M280 machine to aluminum parts within the next month.

The company is also proud to announce that they have received their International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Registration, which regulates the export and import of U.S. military and defense related equipment and information. Companies receiving this certification have corporate procedures and controls in place to ensure compliance.  The ITAR Registration allows GPI to support military and defense-related projects in the United States.

GPI Prototype was founded in 2007 and employs 27 people from their headquarters in Lake Bluff. Additional manufacturing capabilities and services include stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), 3D printing (3DP), fused deposition modeling (FDM), room temperature vulcanization (RTV), investment casting, tooling, CNC machining, finishing, painting and laser scanning.  These services are priced very competitively in the industry while providing the best in quality. www.gpiprototype.com