Metal additive processes such as metal powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition are potentially capable of producing high-quality, functional and load bearing parts from a variety of metallic powder materials. However, “one-size-fits-all” doesn’t apply well to industrial additive manufacturing and when it comes to high value parts and critical applications, it’s crucial to know the pros and cons of these processes and how they apply to a chosen material, or to partner with an expert who does.

• Tool and maraging steels,
• Stainless steels,
• Aluminum alloys,
• Cobalt-chromium and nickel-based superalloys,
• Commercially pure titanium and titanium alloys,
• Copper alloys

Metal powders can vary widely in size, but also in shape (spherical to irregular). As a consequence, processing characteristics in AM metal systems vary, as well. To ensure consistency and repeatability of the quality of metal powders and AM processes, the machine manufacturers are working closely with powder suppliers.

Magnesium Alloys