Additive manufacturing: Support from the very beginning

From the company's own alloy idea to the printed end product

© Deutsche Edelstahlwerke (DEW)

With its Printdur® metal powder portfolio, Deutsche Edelstahlwerke (DEW) manufactures complex components using 3D printing. 

Classic metal powder alloys do not necessarily have to be used: the company from the SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Group also develops materials specially tailored to the application for – and above all with – interested customers. The customers are involved in the entire prototyping process and incorporate their individual requirements.

The complete manufacturing process is developed together – from the company's own alloy idea to the printed end product. Upon request DEW allows its customers to participate in the entire prototyping process and develop, test and optimize a material with a highly specific set of skills. 

© Deutsche Edelstahlwerke (DEW)

"We are experts in the development and optimization of metal powders. Prototyping is all about working together with our customers to optimally harmonize the requirements of the application and the possibilities of the material," explains Dr. Horst Hill, Head of the Special Materials Division at Deutsche Edelstahlwerke. 

And he adds: "We can, of course, also convert a customer's components into a classic metal powder alloy. However, by developing materials specially optimized for 3D printing, we are able to achieve better results depending on the application." DEW customers who are interested in 3D printing also benefit from more design freedom, a shorter process chain and thus lower tooling costs compared to the conventional development of steel components.

Whether classic alloys or customer-specific new developments – DEW manufacture all Printdur products from high-quality materials so that the required property profile can be set. If alloys are newly developed, the customer receives the necessary parameters from DEW. Common areas of application for additive components are aviation, medical technology, mechanical and tool engineering and automotive lightweight construction.

Source:Tube 2020