Germany-based
SLM Solutions, a metal additive manufacturing (AM) technology provider, has announced a collaboration with the
Danish Technological Institute (DTI — a leading research and technology institute with over 30 years’ experience in 3-D printing) to scale up the industrialisation of AM by developing new parameters for SLM machines and the NXG XII 600 (designed for high-volume, serial production, this machine has 12 lasers rated at 1,000W).
With its recently acquired SLM 280 2.0, DTI is developing faster process parameters for stainless steel 316L and copper alloy CuCr1Zr, to support cost-effective production. The two partners say material development collaboration will create new application opportunities for advanced components, where electrical and thermal conductivity are crucial, and ‘sturdy stainless-steel components’ can be manufactured with ‘lightning-fast processes’.
Christoph Wangenheim, SLM Solutions’ head of additive material products and development, said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with DTI on high-productivity solutions for 316L and CuCr1Zr. DTI will follow the SLM Solutions standards of material development and qualification, enabling us to provide material parameters of the same high quality as any other new SLM material parameter.”
The development allows the copper alloy CuCr1Zr to be printed in varying layer thicknesses and creates new business cases where AM will be used for advanced components where electrical and thermal conductivity are important. Even after heat treatment, CuCr1Zr features very high electrical conductivities and up to 300MPa ultimate tensile strength.
Meanwhile, SLM Solutions’ stainless steel 316L is an austenitic high-chromium steel with ‘excellent processability’ on the company’s AM machines; it is often used in applications requiring good mechanical properties and excellent corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments. DTI will develop faster process parameters for stainless steel 316L, enabling the possibilities of printing components at a lower price.