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.
Die größte Herausforderung für 3D-Drucker
In der Welt des Rapid Prototyping und der Produktion von Metallkomponenten ist es wichtig, die richtige Gasatmosphäre zu einzusetzen, um hochwertige Teile effizient zu produzieren.
Lösungen und Kompetenz im 3D-Druck
- Optimierte Teilebehandlung durch richtige Gasauswahl und -reinheit
- Konstanter Druck durch zuverlässige Gasversorgung
- Verbesserte Prozesskontrolle durch Atmosphärenüberwachung und definierter Wärmebehandlung nach dem 3D-Druck
- Niedrigere Produktionskosten durch kostengünstige Gasversorgung
- Einfache Installation
- Hohe Sicherheit
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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