LPW technologies and global advanced metals group limited (GAM) announced a cooperation agreement to further validate the application of nodulated
tantalum powder for metal 3D printing.
In the emerging field of metal 3D printing, there is almost no precedent for the use of refractory metals in additive manufacturing, and even related printing standards and concepts need to be more comprehensive research and development. Currently, global advanced metals (GAM) is trying to fill this gap and expand its product portfolio.
GAM is a global leader in the field of tantalum powder technology. Formerly known as talisson tantalum industry, the company focuses on tantalum mining and other work. After the name change, the business sector is gradually expanded. At present, GAM can provide nodular, angular, fragmentary and spherical metallic powders for a variety of important applications. The laser 3D printing technology for tantalum has been proved successful, providing GAM customers with another choice of metal powder. The additive manufacturing technology around tantalum can provide services for medical surgery, dentistry, military, aerospace and other market sectors. Compared with the metal and alloy implants commonly used in medical treatment, tantalum can provide excellent human bone integration ability and higher biocompatibility, and effectively reduce stress shielding.
O 'donovan, CEO of GAM, said the development of additive manufacturing from a powder materials perspective using LPW technologies' unique laser powder bed fusion technology represents a strategic step toward bringing tantalum and other refractory metal products to the additive manufacturing market. Currently, GAM is able to measure and share physical and chemical data about spherical tantalum and its final 3d-printed components and make the solution available to partners. These partners include practitioners, designers and manufacturers of tantalum-based medical and surgical implants and other highly reliable and critical devices.
LPW technologies is a market leader in additive manufacturing, manufacturing, r&d and processing of high quality metal powders, providing comprehensive solutions and services to the additive manufacturing industry. These include the development and testing of new alloys, professional application guidance and innovative terminal hardware and software services.
Ben ferrar, LPW's chief operating officer, said the partnership between the two companies would complement each other, improve the infrastructure of their respective companies' additive manufacturing capabilities and promote the adoption of additive manufacturing materials. The properties of metal powder materials are the key to ensure the consistency of mechanical properties of additive components.
The collaboration will facilitate understanding of the factors that affect the spherification of tantalum powders and their specific performance in additive manufacturing processes, thereby demonstrating to metal additive manufacturers the compatibility and adaptability of this additive manufacturing material and its products.
