Innovative Solutions for Additive Manufacturing and High-Performance Applications
At Formnext 2024, Sandvik AB will reveal the latest additions to its metal powder portfolio, featuring innovative copper-based alloys and high-performance tool steels designed specifically for additive manufacturing (AM). The company will showcase its Osprey metal powders, including the newly launched copper alloy C18150 and the tool steel Osprey HWTS 50. These powders are optimized for a variety of 3D printing and advanced manufacturing applications.
Copper and Tool Steel Powders for Additive Manufacturing
Enhanced Thermal and Electrical Properties with Superior Printability
Sandvik’s copper-based powders, such as GrCop42 and C18150, are designed to offer superior thermal and electrical conductivity, which makes them ideal for applications that require high heat transfer and precise thermal expansion control. These powders are available in both fine and medium particle sizes, ensuring optimal performance in demanding applications like electronics and heat exchangers. The copper alloys are also noted for their superior CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) matching, which is crucial for components exposed to high thermal stress.
The Osprey HWTS 50 is a lean hot-work tool steel with a lower carbon content compared to traditional medium-carbon tool steels, which enhances its performance in additive manufacturing processes. Despite the reduction in carbon content (~0.22 wt.% vs ~0.4 wt.%), HWTS 50 offers comparable or even improved tempering resistance, making it suitable for laser-based AM. This powder has been engineered to provide excellent printability and is also applicable for Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) and Metal Injection Molding (MIM). These material advancements cater to industries such as aerospace, automotive, and tooling, where high strength, toughness, and heat resistance are essential.
Cost-Efficient Titanium Powder for E-Bike Manufacturing
Reducing Material Costs and Build Time in High-Performance Parts
One of the standout applications of Sandvik’s metal powders is the use of coarse titanium powder for the additive manufacturing of e-bike components. Sandvik collaborated with GSD Global to develop a cost-effective solution for producing titanium parts for high-end e-bikes. Titanium is traditionally expensive and difficult to machine using CNC methods, but by using coarse titanium powder in an additive manufacturing process, Sandvik has reduced material costs by over 40% and cut build times by two-thirds compared to conventional layer-by-layer methods. Despite these cost reductions, the mechanical properties of the parts remain intact, ensuring they meet the rigorous demands of high-performance applications like e-bike frames. This application showcases how Sandvik’s metal powders can offer not only significant financial benefits but also improve manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the high-quality standards expected in advanced industries.
Join Sandvik at Formnext to Discover the Future of Additive Manufacturing
Learn from Material Specialists and Explore New Opportunities
Visitors to Sandvik’s booth at Formnext 2024 (Hall 11, Booth E32) will have the opportunity to meet with the company’s material specialists and explore the latest in metal powder innovations. Luke Harris, Sales Director at Sandvik, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for presenting these new products and engaging in discussions around AM customer cases. The company invites attendees to explore how Sandvik’s metal powders can help solve manufacturing challenges and unlock new possibilities in a wide range of industries.
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