OTTAWA, ONTARIO: Breakthrough speeds in aluminum part production have been achieved using the Aconity3D 1-kW MIDI system and Equispheres’ aluminum powder, the two companies report. Aconity3D is a manufacturer of custom and precise metal additive manufacturing (AM) printers and Equispheres produces specialized powders with unique attributes specifically designed for AM. Aconity3D has been testing Equispheres powder to produce a part of the AconitySCAN, a key component of the Aconity3D line of printers, with the objective to produce the part more quickly and at a lower cost than is achievable with standard powder. The results achieved to date have demonstrated that the part can be produced in 60+% less time (i.e., 53 hours reduced to 17.5 hours) with no impact on mechanical properties.
Yves Hagedorn, Managing Director of Aconity3D, says, “This dramatic reduction in production time reduces the cost to produce the part by greater than 50%. More importantly, it enables Aconity3D to produce our printers more quickly and meet the growing demand for our systems.”
Evan Butler-Jones, Director of Applications Engineering at Equispheres, explains that the highly spherical and uniform Equispheres powder can take advantage of both the precision and configurability of the Aconity3D system. “Most importantly, the powder can absorb the energy from the powerful 1 kw laser without disturbing the stability of the melt pool. This is not attainable with standard aluminum powders.”
“We are pleased to partner with Aconity3D on this initiative,” he continues. “Combining their expertise with AM systems and our expertise in powders provides a powerful solution to the market.”
Aconity3D plans to conduct additional testing with Equispheres powder to further optimize their process and reduce costs. In addition to using the powder for their internal part production needs, Equispheres and Aconity3D are finalizing an agreement to enable Aconity3D to provide Equispheres powder directly to Aconity3D customers as a starter kit.
“We want our customers to have the best production experience when they utilize our specialized printer equipment. The best way to showcase our devices is to equip them with the best powder,” states Hagedorn.
Aconity3D will showcase the printed part at the Formnext exhibition (Frankfurt, November 16-19, 2021) at booth D39 Hall 11 and on the Equispheres booth, D54 Hall 11.
About Equispheres:
Equispheres is a materials science technology company specializing in high-performance metal powders for additive manufacturing in the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries. We focus on developing innovative, clean-tech solutions to help solve advanced manufacturing challenges with our deep knowledge of metallurgy and its application to additive manufacturing.
For more information, visit equispheres.com. Images are available for download on the Equispheres press page.
About Aconity3D:
Aconity3D is a systems provider for flexible application-specific Additive Manufacturing (AM) systems for metals. The company is situated in Aachen’s high-technology surrounding of the RWTH University and Fraunhofer research institutes. With the company’s technological background in production and informatics, focus is set on extending the state of the art in 3D printing of metal parts. Finding new solutions and partnering with customers towards innovating this vast growing field of research brings along further business units, such as Consulting, Job shop, Testing Facilities and Material Distribution.
For more information about Aconity3D go to aconity3d.com.
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Just wow! Faster printer speeds and lower costs. @Aconity3D uses @equispheres powder to reduce build times by 60+% and reduce costs by more than 50%. A better printer and better powder provide the best cost profile and customer experience. #AdditiveManufacturing #3DPrinting
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