SLM Solutions, a metal additive manufacturing technology provider, has agreed a “game-changing collaboration” with the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) to scale up the industrialization of additive manufacturing.
This partnership is set to revolutionize the metal additive manufacturing industry by developing new outstanding parameters for SLM machines and the NXG XII 600.
With their 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, taking advantage of SLM Solutions’ importance of open architecture.
The material development collaboration will create new application opportunities for advanced components, where electrical and thermal conductivity are crucial, and sturdy components out of stainless steel can be manufactured with lightning-fast processes.
Christoph Wangenheim, head of additive material products and development at SLM Solutions, says: “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 partnership between DTI and SLM Solutions is the natural next step in their long-term relationship.
Ellen M. J. Hedegaard, business manager at DTI, says: “The collaboration with SLM Solutions is extremely interesting for us. With SLM Solutions’ expertise in special alloys for additive manufacturing, this collaboration gives us a unique insight into future possibilities.”
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.
With up to 92 percent IACS after heat-treatment, CuCr1Zr still features very high electrical conductivities at up to 300 MPa ultimate tensile strength.
SLM Solutions’ stainless steel 316L, on the other hand, is an austenitic high-chromium steel with excellent processability on SLM Solutions’ additive manufacturing machines.
316L 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.
DTI is a leading research and technology institute with over 30 years of experience in additive manufacturing.
The company’s modern facilities in Aarhus offer 3D-printed components in a range of metal and polymer materials, utilizing a wide variety of additive manufacturing technologies to tailor a solution that perfectly fits the customers’ needs.
With this ground-breaking partnership between SLM Solutions and DTI, further industrialization and increased use of metal-based additive manufacturing will take a significant leap forward. Industry will get a front-row seat to witness the future of additive manufacturing.
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