Trumpf, a leading German manufacturer based in Ditzingen, has qualified 6K Additive’s titanium powder for use in its TruPrint Additive Manufacturing machines. This move allows customers to use high-performance titanium powder suitable for industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.
Benefits of Titanium Ti-6Al-4V Powder for Additive Manufacturing
Titanium Ti-6Al-4V is a high-strength, low-density alloy known for its corrosion resistance. It’s biocompatible, making it ideal for medical implants. This powder’s versatility also makes it suitable for aerospace and automotive components, where durability and strength are essential.
Dennis Pede, Material Engineer at Trumpf, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality performance. TruPrint systems are open systems, meaning customers can choose their preferred powders. However, Trumpf recommends materials that offer optimal process conditions and material properties. This collaboration ensures customers receive the best results and experience.
Sustainable Powder and Reduced Carbon Footprint
6K Additive’s titanium powder offers a sustainable solution. The powder’s production process contributes to reducing carbon footprints. Trumpf’s customers are increasingly asking for metrics on the environmental impact of their manufacturing processes. By qualifying this sustainable powder, Trumpf ensures high quality and helps customers reduce CO2 emissions.
6K Additive, based in North Andover, Massachusetts, offers a range of metal and alloy powders, including nickel, titanium, copper, and stainless steel. The company uses the UniMElt production-scale microwave plasma process. This process spheroidizes metal powders while controlling chemistry, porosity, and minimizing contamination. According to an independent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study, this process reduces energy usage and carbon emissions by up to 90% for nickel-based alloys and 75% for titanium alloys.
Streamlining Production for Aerospace and Defense
The partnership between Trumpf and 6K Additive is especially beneficial for aerospace and defense sectors. Frank Roberts, President of 6K Additive, explained that the collaboration streamlines the qualification process. Both the TruPrint machine and titanium powder are pre-approved, which accelerates the transition from qualification to production. This efficiency reduces delays and enhances the customer experience.
Adding 6K Additive’s titanium powder to Trumpf’s approved materials list is a significant step forward in additive manufacturing. It supports the growing demand for sustainable manufacturing solutions and faster production cycles in aerospace and defense sectors.
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