Ask the Expert
Guido Plicht
Commercial Technology Manager - Europa
“How does gas affect the quality of my additive manufacturing process?”
As with other traditional methods of prototyping and manufacturing metal parts, the proper gas atmosphere is critical for producing quality products. Nitrogen and argon are commonly used to provide inert atmospheres during additive manufacturing. It is important to use the correct flow rate and purge duration to avoid deformed parts and ensure a safe production environment. For example, high oxygen content in the atmosphere will result in oxidation of the powder metal leading to poor part quality, clumping in the powder feed, or high porosity in the end product. It will also reduce the amount of recyclable powder for future use. Inerting is also critical for proper management of the combustible dust arising from the powder metal and printing process. Post treatments after printing may require industrial gases, depending on the application.
Optimizing Industrial Gases in 3D Metal Printing
In the world of rapid prototyping and production of metal components, it is important to have the proper gas atmosphere to efficiently produce quality parts.
De grootste uitdaging voor 3D-printers
In de wereld van snelle prototyping en productie van metalen componenten is het belangrijk om de juiste gasatmosfeer te hebben om efficiënt hoogwaardige onderdelen te produceren.
Oplossingen en expertise in 3D-printen
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- Uniforme afdrukken als gevolg van het handhaven van consistente omstandigheden
- Betere controle over kamerbeheer en warmtebehandeling na het afdrukken
- Lagere productiekosten dankzij betrouwbare en kostenefficiënte gastoevoer
- Eenvoudig te installeren
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How Gases Affect the Quality of Metal Additive Manufacturing?
- Provide inert atmospheres to minimise harmful contaminants
- Allow for a narrow particle size distribution and avoids surface oxidation
- Reduce stress and improve mechanical properties, with a bright and clean surface finish
- Hot Isostatic Pressing with gases eliminates porosity and voids within the printed part
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