Materials Development for ProMetal

摘要

ProMetal~® Three-Dimensional Printing (3DP) is a rapid manufacturing technology that produces fully functional metal, ceramic, or cermet parts directly from CAD files in a matter of days. Using an additive layered method, parts can be produced with undercuts, overhangs, internal channels, and other geometric features that would otherwise be impossible to form, or would be excessively costly. As-printed parts are 40 to 60 % of full density and must be lightly sintered and infiltrated, or directly sintered, to full density. Alternatively, the high level of porosity in as-printed parts can be used to advantage in production of customized filters. In any case, the low density of the as-printed parts renders thermal processing more complex than conventional powder metal parts. ProMetal has developed 3DP shapemaking and thermal processes for a variety of materials, including stainless steels, tool steels, nickel based superalloys, aluminum alloys, precious metals, and tungsten heavy alloys. These material developments will be described along with example applications in tooling, dental restorations, jewelry, artwork, and fluid control devices.