Sandvik, a Swedish engineering group, is set to add titanium additive manufacturing powder to its trademarked Osprey brand of materials. The new powder will be produced at the company’s state-of-the-art atomizing plant which will be inaugurated later this month.
“Titanium powder is currently breaking ground across a number of industries,” Sandvik stated. “No matter the business, customer or product, one fact remains the same: there are no shortcuts when it comes to achieving premium quality.”
“Our brand new, state-of-the-art titanium powder plant offers a high level of automation, ensuring even better reliability and consistency, which is a non-negotiable in taking your AM-processes and applications above and beyond.”
Sandvik and metal 3D printing
Sandvik has demonstrated a strong presence in metal additive manufacturing through various partnerships this year. One significant development that came from the company was its acquisition of a significant stake in Italian metal 3D printing service provider Beam IT. A collaboration between ExOne and Sandvik was also announced to advance its ExOne’s binder jet 3D printing process through the optimization of metal powders.
Furthermore, Sandvik Coromant, the industrial tooling arm of Sandvik, introduced a new milling cutter with a metal 3D printed head which marked the company’s first move toward additive manufacturing for end-use production. In addition, Sandvik produced the “world’s first smash-proof 3D printed guitar.”
Kristian Egeberg, President of Sandvik, previously commented, “The AM sector is developing fast and there is a need for AM-specialist-partners with the advanced skills and resources required to help industrial customers develop and launch their AM programs.
Manufacturing titanium powders
Currently, the company aims to manufacture Osprey Ti-6Al-4V Grade 5 and Osprey Ti-6Al-4V Grade 23. Sandvik also develops tool steels, including maraging steels, stainless steels and duplex steels, nickel-based superalloys, cemented carbides, and high-entropy alloys.
“Having atomized fine metal powders for more than 40 years, and producing titanium for the aerospace industry since 1970s, we are no strangers to the meticulous demands of our customers’ industries,” Sandvik added. “Simply put, there are three major aspects to consider when choosing powder for your AM masterpieces: selection of raw material, particle size and morphology.”
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Featured image shows additive manufacturing metal powder. Photo via Sandvik.
