Inerting for Additive Manufacturing
Expert solutions to help you succeed
In the world of rapid prototyping and production of metal components, it is imperative to have the proper gas atmosphere to produce quality parts. To meet the metallurgical and dimensional quality standards required in 3D printing, argon and nitrogen are commonly used to provide inert atmospheres. Using sufficient flow rate and purge duration helps to avoid undesired chemical reactions and thermal deformation of consolidated parts, as well as ensure a safe production environment.
Air Products has extensive applications knowledge in surface/bulk treatment of metals to help additive manufacturers optimize the gas selection, supply mode, and purity for improved part processing.
Ask the Expert
Guido Plicht
Commercial Technology Manager - Europe
“How does gas affect the quality of my additive manufacturing process?”
As with other traditional methods of prototyping and manufacturing metal parts, the proper gas atmosphere is critical for producing quality products. Nitrogen and argon are commonly used to provide inert atmospheres during additive manufacturing. It is important to use the correct flow rate and purge duration to avoid deformed parts and ensure a safe production environment. For example, high oxygen content in the atmosphere will result in oxidation of the powder metal leading to poor part quality, clumping in the powder feed, or high porosity in the end product. It will also reduce the amount of recyclable powder for future use. Inerting is also critical for proper management of the combustible dust arising from the powder metal and printing process. Post treatments after printing may require industrial gases, depending on the application.
Optimizing Industrial Gases in 3D Metal Printing
In the world of rapid prototyping and production of metal components, it is important to have the proper gas atmosphere to efficiently produce quality parts.
The Biggest Challenge Facing 3D Printers
In the world of rapid prototyping and production of metal components, it is important to have the proper gas atmosphere to efficiently produce quality parts.
Solutions and Expertise in 3D Printing
- Optimized part treatment via proper gas selection and purity
- Uniform printing as a result of maintaining consistent conditions
- Improved control over chamber management and post-printing heat treatment
- Lower production costs via reliable and cost efficient gas supply
- Easy installation
- Increased safety
How Gases Affect the Quality of Metal Additive Manufacturing?
- Provide inert atmospheres to minimise harmful contaminants
- Allow for a narrow particle size distribution and avoids surface oxidation
- Reduce stress and improve mechanical properties, with a bright and clean surface finish
- Hot Isostatic Pressing with gases eliminates porosity and voids within the printed part
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