3D Systems Adds Aluminum and Tool-Steel Alloys to Materials Portfolio

3D Systems announced the addition of two metal alloys to its materials portfolio: Certified Scalmalloy (A) and Certified M789 (A), optimized for use on the company’s Direct Metal Printing (DMP) platform. The materials were developed to facilitate demanding industrial high-strength, corrosion-resistant parts for additive manufacturing (AM) applications in aerospace, motorsports and automotive, semiconductor, energy, and moldmaking markets, according to 3D Systems officials, who note a working relationship with the material manufacturers, ApWorks and voestalpine Böhler Edelstahl to certify these materials for use with the DMP platform.

Scalmalloy, a high-strength aluminum alloy, features tensile strength of 520 MPa and yield strength of 480 MPa, reportedly significantly stronger than the reference material AlSi10Mg. This material’s high strength makes it ideal for AM of weight-efficient, load-bearing, corrosion-resistant components. Parts produced via Scalmalloy (pictured) can be chemically cleaned during post-processing to remove surface residue, delivering final parts with optimal surface finish.

“Scalmalloy has a very attractive strength-to-weight ratio and is more amenable to 3D printing than many conventional high-strength aluminum alloys,” says Dr. Michael Shepard, vice president of the aerospace and defense segment for 3D Systems. “These performance attributes make it ideal for aerospace applications.”

M789 allows 3D Systems’ customers to produce high-strength molds and tooling that can be hardened to 52 HRC and also are free of cobalt. 3D Systems has attained certification of M789 for its DMP platform through collaboration with its partner, GF Machining Solutions, addressing customers’ requests for a hard, corrosion-resistant tooling steel to foster advanced applications. The resulting parts reportedly are optimal for long-term use, able to withstand both the rigors of repetitive manufacturing processes as well as use in regions with high humidity. “Having M789 as part of our metal 3D printing solution delivers greater accuracy to our automotive customers,” says Kevin Baughey, segment leader of transportation and motorsports for 3D Systems. “This enables them to use the technology for applications that require higher fidelity and thinner walls, such as die inserts with conformal cooling and tire tread molds, and providing them with a competitive advantage.”

See also: 3D Systems

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