Let Ordinary Fdm 3d Printers Can Print Metal and Ceramic New Materials

China 3D printing network June 15, French materials manufacturer Nanovia announced the launch of two new 3D printing wire. Nanovia Mt Inox 316L, designed for use with extrusion-based 3D printers, is the company's new stainless steel 316L filament, while the upcoming Nanovia Cr SiC will be a ceramic silicon carbide product.

These filaments are designed to achieve dense metal and ceramic parts on common FDM systems, and can be processed through a final sintering step to increase part density. Users also have the option to machine Nanovia 3D printed parts prior to use to fine-tune dimensional accuracy and improve surface quality. According to China 3D Printing, Nanovia Mt and Cr allow structures to be created through 3D printing, using materials that are traditionally outside their domain. For example, 'raw' parts can be machined prior to sintering, enabling a hybrid manufacturing approach."

New Nanovia Mt and Cr Series

Stainless steel 316L is one of the most commonly used austenitic steels today, second only to 304, and is widely used for medical implants, fasteners and chemically exposed parts in the oil and gas sector, characterized by its excellent toughness, corrosion resistance and heat resistance. - 230°C, but hardened nozzles are recommended because of the abrasive nature of the filaments. By going through a sintering stage in post-processing, Inox 316L produces fully dense stainless steel parts without any chemical degreasing.

Silicon carbide, on the other hand, is a synthetic semiconductor characterized by its hardness. Since its accidental invention in the late 19th century, this material has been used in sandpaper, grinding wheels and cutting tools. Recent applications for ceramics include refractory linings, heating elements, wear-resistant parts for pumps and aero engines, and light-emitting diodes. According to China3DPrint.com, the soon-to-be-released Nanovia Cr SiC will be extremely tough and can withstand temperatures of up to 2,000°C.

Nanovia also intends to launch several new metal and ceramic filaments in the near future, including Mt Inconel, Mt Titanium, Cr Alumine and Cr Zircone. a full line of 3D printed wires in the new Mt and Cr series will be available in 500 gram and 2 kg spools. The company will also offer the material in pellet form for MIM and CIM manufacturing processes.

Sintered 3D Printed Parts

Metal 3D printed filaments and other materials containing additives often require sintering to increase part density and help users achieve a full range of high performance mechanical properties. Nanovia's new Mt and Cr series are no exception. The company's portfolio requires sintering in two stages: degreasing at a lower temperature (to eliminate the polymer matrix) and then sintering at a higher temperature (to consolidate the metal and ceramic additives). The heat generated during the process typically causes the part to shrink, but the company claims that shrinkage should be limited to about 10% - 15%, depending on the part. Nanovia has selected a partner for this service and this will be announced in due course.

Nanovia isn't the only company targeting the metal FDM space, as 3D printer maker Desktop Metal recently introduced its own pure copper filament for the company's Studio System. the material is known for its widespread use in electronics and heat exchangers, targeting industries as diverse as oil and gas, automotive and consumer products.

Elsewhere, Forward AM, the 3D printing division of chemical company BASF, has previously introduced Ultrafuse 17-4 PH wire. This 17-4 stainless steel-based material contains metal powder in a polymer matrix and is designed to enable safe and cost-effective metal printing on the most common FFF systems.