Us-based Desktop Metal, which is represented by Delwyman, has identified three additional metals for use in its Binder Jet additive manufacturing facility. With the availability of copper alloy C18150 and titanium alloy Ti6Al4V on Production System™ and 304L stainless steel on Shop System™, Desktop Metal now offers a total of 23 metals to its customers.

In partnership with TriTech Titanium Parts LLC, the Ti6Al4V has been approved by customers for use in Desktop Metal’s production systems. Ti6Al4V’s adhesive jet is said to simplify the production of complex titanium parts, which can be challenging and costly to manufacture using traditional manufacturing methods.

TriTech Titanium Parts LLC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and uses metal injection molding (MIM), investment casting, Adhesive jet additive manufacturing is now used on the Desktop Metal Production System™ P-1 to produce titanium parts.

In collaboration with Sandvik Additive Manufacturing, a leading producer of gas atomized metal powders, the copper alloy C18150 has also been certified. Chromium-zirconium copper combines strength, electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, including those in the automotive industry.

Sandvik Osprey developed and supplied the C18150 powder, which typically delivers 98-99% sintering density when produced on P-1, enabling the company to deliver component designs for high-volume production after further development.

In collaboration with CETIM, one of the largest industrial research institutes in Europe and the French Technical Center for the Machinery Industry, 304L stainless steel has also been qualified for the Desktop Metal Shop System™. The 304L complements the stainless steel material kit now available on the Shop System, which also includes 17-4PH and 316L.

304L is austenitic stainless steel, one of the most commonly used stainless steel varieties. It has high tensile strength, corrosion resistance and durability and is a popular material for a variety of household and commercial applications such as structural parts, food processing equipment, fluid transfer parts and welding parts.

"304L is one of many additive manufacturing materials that CETIM is researching and developing processes on behalf of French industry," said Christophe, Additive Manufacturing Materials Engineer at CETIM
Dr Reynaud said. "304L is a key material in the energy sector because of its corrosion resistance and is suitable for demanding environments such as civil nuclear applications. Combined with the Shop System’s high versatility and responsiveness, it is now possible to significantly reduce lead times for critical 304L maintenance parts, avoiding long and costly plant downtime."

It can be seen that titanium alloy, aluminum alloy and copper alloy can use binder jet to achieve 3D printing manufacturing, which will undoubtedly bring revolutionary impact, it will inevitably accelerate the process of metal 3D printing efficient, low-cost and mass manufacturing, and can expand more industry applications.