Keyholes Explained: Research Paves Way for Better AM Parts

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Keyholes Explained: Research Paves Way for Better AM Parts Using high-speed X-ray technology, researchers reportedly have been able to determine how laser power and speed affect the formation of keyholes, or pockets produced during additive manufacturing (AM) via the laser bed fusion process. As a laser travels across a bed of material to create part layers during 3D printing, voids of various sizes and shapes form, sometimes resulting in gas pockets that negatively affect part density and ultimately, quality. Conventional wisdom has held that powder material or laser strength were to blame, but a team led by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Argonne National Laboratory believe they have cracked the code, providing insight on how pocket sizes can be predicted and minimized.

Sponsored Orbex Builds World’s Largest Single-Piece Rocket Engine 3D Printed on the SLM®800 Selective Laser Melting Machine Chris Larmour, CEO of Orbex, reveals Europe's most modern, environmentally friendly and reusable launch vehicle. Of partnering with SLM Solutions to 3D print the world's largest single-piece rocket engine Larmour stated, “This allows us to build reliably in a repeatable manner at a reduced cost."

Show Your Kids the Anything Factory From GE Additive, an inspiring look at what 3D printing brings, and will bring—aimed at the future of our industry.

Sponsored High-Performance Vacuum Debind and Sintering Furnaces Centorr Vacuum Industries is a manufacturer of high performance vacuum debind and sintering furnaces for the 3D Additive Manufacturing furnace market, as well as units for Metal and Ceramic Injection Molding. Available with either metal or graphite hot zones, these units can process all of the most common metals including Fe-Ni, 316-L, 17-4PH, and Inconel powders and feedstocks as well as a variety of other materials including Titanium, tungsten carbide, tool steels, and superalloys. The new Sintervac AM™ operates at pressures of 0-15 torr as well as positive pressures of Argon, Nitrogen, or Forming Gas for increased flexibility of processing binder-jetted parts, while the Workhorse AM™ is used for the heat treat, annealing, and tempering of laser-sintered parts. For more information, contact the sales department at 603-595-7233, sales@centorr.com or www.centorr.com.

CNH Offers First Plastic 3D Printed Spare Parts, Metal Next CNH Industrial N.V., a major manufacturer comprising such well-known brands as Case IH and New Holland Agriculture, announced a company first: the 3D printing of spare parts. The first spare components created via AM include four parts for use on buses and agricultural equipment, made from plastic. Testing now underway is expected to lead to production of metal spares, according to company officials.

Supports Covered in Latest Installment of Renishaw Metal AM Tutorial Series In a video series, Marc Saunders, director of AM applications for Renishaw, discusses key factors that drive the success rate and productivity of metal AM builds as well as some of the critical guidelines that designers should follow to create production components efficiently. This installment: AM supports.

Sponsored 2019 AMUG Conference The AMUG Conference provides a unique additive manufacturing (AM) training and education experience. Designed to facilitate information exchange between AM users, the conference brings together individuals of all experience levels that wish to do more with AM. What makes the AMUG Conference particularly unique is the openness of attendees and their willingness to share. The AMUG Conference runs from March 31 to April 4, 2019. For information and links to registration, visit www.amug.com.

In This Issue 3D Printing: Ford Is on Board With its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Michigan, the Big Three automaker hopes to grow its 3D printing capabilities for support and production. A first look reveals that Ford is well on its way. Best of Both Worlds: Blending Additive and Conventional Manufacturing ...solves multiple challenges for this industrial-filter manufacturer.

PMA Services Inc 6363 Oak Tree Blvd. | Independence, OH 44131-2500 | USA Phone: 216-901-8800 | Fax: 216-901-9190

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