Linde Gases, a division of The Linde Group, announced on September 20 the launch of ADDvance™ O2 precision. Claimed to be the first-of-its-kind measuring and analysis unit, ADDvance™ O2 precision enables metal additive manufacturers to analyse and control more precisely the level of oxygen (O2) and humidity within the printer chamber.
The Idea behind ADDvance™ O2 precision
The idea behind this new technology is to detect O2 levels in the printer chamber and modify the gas atmosphere by adjusting the level of argon or nitrogen. This is easy to understand for anyone with basic chemistry knowledge. Too much oxygen or humidity can pose a challenge to additive manufacturers as it can negatively impact the quality and performance of the item being printed. To put it simply, the metal item could get rusted when affected by humid oxygen.
Usually, the additive manufacturing process operates within a closed chamber filled with high purity inert gas such as argon or nitrogen. However, impurities due to incomplete purging, small machine leakages and metal powder can have an influence on the oxygen level. A variation in oxygen content in the chamber can result in differences in mechanical properties or chemical composition of the end product – for example a decrease in fatigue resistance.
ADDvance™ O2 precision aims to solve this problem. It is designd to allow for more accurate levels of oxygen and humidity without cross-sensitivity effects and to ensure a constant level of oxygen during the process.
Collaboration with Airbus Group Innovations
The new technology is developed in response to a need from aerospace company Airbus Group Innovations. Airbus Group Innovations made a deal with UK-based Ion Core in 2014 in buying desktop 3D printer for testing new designs. Just two months ago, the aviation giant extended its use of Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform to its additive manufacturing programs integrating design, simulation and production. Now, this new move could be another important step for Airbus Group Innovations to continue its business in 3D printing technology. This time, they want to produce even more qualified metal item.
“Linde has always played a leading role in developing new technologies for our customers in order to improve the efficiency of their production processes and quality of output. That Airbus Group Innovations selected Linde to work with them to overcome such a challenge in the pioneering area of additive manufacturing is testament to Linde’s technical competence and innovative spirit.”(Pierre Forêt, responsible for additive manufacturing R&D at Linde)
ADDvance™ O2 precision will be unveiled at Linde’s stand 121-123 at World PM from October 9-13 in Hamburg, Germany and then at EuroBlech on stand 142, hall 13, from October 25-29 in Hannover, Germany.
Though 3D printing technology is not widely used in mass production yet, it’s being increasingly emphasized, as we can see from this news. It’s also good to see that the 3D printing industry is bringing more opportunities to traditional companies like Linde Gases. This storm could probably spread to other companies in various industries in the future.
Feature Image: Linde Gases
