3D Systems has announced two additions to its vast materials portfolio – Certified Scalmalloy and Certified M789 – for high-strength, corrosion-resistant parts for additive applications across a wide range of demanding markets, such as aerospace.
3D Systems has worked with the material manufacturers, APWorks and Voestalpine Böhler Edelstahl, to certify the materials for use with its Direct Metal Printing (DMP) metal additive manufacturing platform.
Users now have the ability to work with the company’s Application Innovation Group (AIG) to certify these materials for use with its DMP Flex 350 and DMP Factory 350 printers.
“Adding the capability to additively manufacture parts from Scalmalloy to our portfolio is an important step forward; especially for our aerospace customers,” said Dr. Michael Shepard, 3D Systems VP aerospace and defense.
“Scalmalloy has a very attractive strength-to-weight ratio and is more amenable to 3D printing than many conventional high-strength Aluminum alloys.
“These performance attributes make it ideal for aerospace applications and we are excited to see how our customers will use 3D printed Scalmalloy components to continue to push the envelope with their innovation.”
Scalmalloy is a high-strength Aluminum alloy that has a tensile strength of 520MPa and yield strength of 480MPa, significantly stronger than the reference material AlSi10Mg.
The high strength of Scalmalloy makes it ideal for additively manufacturing weight-efficient, load-bearing components. Using this material, manufacturers are able to produce high-strength, corrosion-resistant Aluminum parts facilitated by fully-developed build styles available in 3DXpert software for the company’s DMP Flex 350 and DMP Factory 350 metal 3D printers.
Additionally, parts produced using Scalmalloy can be chemically cleaned during post-processing which removes surface residue to deliver a final part with optimal surface finish.
M789 allows 3D Systems’ customers to produce high-strength molds and tooling that can not only be hardened up to 52HRC but are also free of Cobalt.
3D Systems reports that it 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 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.
“Our customers in the automotive industry are increasingly relying on additive manufacturing to advance and accelerate their innovation,” said Kevin Baughey, segment leader, transportation and motorsports, 3D Systems.
“Having M789 as part of our metal 3D printing solution delivers greater accuracy to our automotive customers. This is enabling them to use the technology for applications that require higher fidelity and thinner walls, like die inserts with conformal cooling and tyre tread moulds, and providing them a competitive advantage.”
