Sandvik partners with Desktop Metal to bring high performance alloys to the company’s newly-released metal 3d printing systems

Sandvik, a world-leading producer of gas atomized metal powders for advanced applications in net shape manufacturing, has announced it has formed a relationship with Desktop Metal to be a preferred supplier of a range of alloy powders for its recently-released 3D printing systems, the DM Studio and DM Production systems.

Fine, gas atomized powders are ideally suited to Desktop Metal’s technology which delivers a highly-loaded powder/binder mixture to the print head to achieve high density parts with low sintering shrinkage.

Richard J. Park, Managing Director for the business unit Osprey™ metal powder, said: “We believe we have unrivalled experience and excellence in manufacturing diverse, fine powder products for the MIM (metal injection molding) and AM (additive manufacturing) markets and makes us an ideal partner to deliver the mass customization, quality and reliability in powder products that the 3D printing community is seeking.

“Today we have a production capacity of more than 10M lbs. and a product database exceeding 3000 alloys. Atomizing expertise and metallurgical know-how are combined to give free-flowing metal powders and offer a comprehensive range of products from stainless steels to nickel base super alloys, cobalt alloys, tool steels, low alloy steels, copper and aluminium alloys and is able also to customize materials according to customer preferences.”

Powders are clean and spherical leading to uniform flow and high packing density which is important for consistent parts build. The fine and controlled size distribution enables rapid sintering to high density resulting in excellent mechanical properties and good surface finish.

Richard J. Park added: “We are excited to be working with Desktop Metal and its world-class team of experts and look forward to supporting the growth in demand for consumers of the new technology which we expect to come from all major industrial sectors.

“Our strength in materials science and atomizing technology is a perfect complement to Desktop Metal’s strengths in machine design and process knowledge.”

Ric Fulop, CEO and co-founder of Desktop Metal, said: “With the launch of both our DM Studio and Production Systems, it’s critical our engineering customers have access to high-performance metal alloys for both prototyping and the mass production of metal parts.

“By partnering with world-class producers like Sandvik, we are able to broaden our catalogue of materials to include the widest array of alloys, including advanced stainless steels, special alloys, titanium and other high-performance materials.

“Customers who buy Desktop Metal’s consumables bearing the Sandvik and Osprey logos are guaranteed to benefit from high levels of quality and consistency that set Sandvik’s Osprey™ products apart as the productivity partner of choice.”