Swedish 3D printing company Freemelt has received another patent in the United States. The patent protects a method for neutralizing the electrical charge in metal powders using ultraviolet radiation. The method can increase the resolution and robustness of 3D printing with electron beams.
In Freemelt’s 3D printers, metal powder is consolidated into solid metal parts using a powerful electron beam. As opposed to laser beams used in many other 3D printers, an electron beam is easily scalable up to several kilowatts of beam power. This opens up for even higher productivity in future 3D printers. The patent deals with a method to prevent accumulation of electric charge in the metal powder, a phenomenon that has previously hampered the use of very fine powders in combination with high beam power.
“This innovation opens up 3D printing technology for more application areas and gives more freedom of choice regarding powder materials. Enabling finer powders, it will be easier to print metal parts with high resolution and smooth surface finish, without jeopardizing process stability. We expect to be able to 3D print with metal powders that were previously difficult to handle”, says Ulric Ljungblad, inventor and Chief Innovation Officer of Freemelt.
“This patent strengthens Freemelt’s position and is important for our upcoming industrial 3D printing solutions. It is also yet another proof of the extraordinary innovation capability of our experienced team. I have been continuously impressed ever since I joined Freemelt a few months ago”, says Daniel Gidlund, CEO of Freemelt.
Find out more about Freemelt at freemelt.com.
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