linde GASES for USE in additive manufacturing BY Powder Producers  

The right atmosphere for powder production

Additive manufacturing is also referred to as 3D Printing. It is a technology that allows manufacturers to produce three-dimensional parts from a polymer or a metal. In order to create metal parts through the additive manufacturing process, it is important to ensure that the powder metals meet specifications and are free of defects, prior to moving on to the next step. The proper atmosphere is critical to the quality and final composition of powder metal production.

When making many specialty metal powders, argon is used to provide the most inert atmosphere. Due to the high temperatures often required, the use of oxygen and sometimes nitrogen will react with many advanced materials, leading to the formation of metallic oxides and nitrides. Oxides and nitrides should be avoided to reduce the risk of defects in the final product. Linde offers argon, nitrogen, and hydrogen for all gas applications related to the powder metal industry, including powder metal manufacturing.

Atmospheres for Powder Metal Production (895KB)

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