Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is a technology that allows manufacturers to produce three-dimensional parts from polymers or metals. In order to create metal parts through the additive manufacturing process, it is important to ensure that the metal powders meet specifications and are free of defects and oxidation, as well as free flowing. The proper atmosphere is critical to the quality and final composition of powder metal production. When making powders such as titanium, argon is used to provide the most inert atmosphere.
Argon is also used in the metal 3D printing process which uses lasers to selectively melt the powder (Selective Laser Melting or Powder Bed Fusion). Argon & helium mixtures are used for highest quality AM parts. Standard welding shielding gases are used for Wire Arc additive manufacturing (WAAM).
BOC offers argon, nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, Argoshield, Stainshield and Alushield gases for all applications related to additive manufacturing industry, including powder metal manufacturing.
Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP)
HIP has been a beneficial step for additive manufacturing parts because the use of high heat and high pressure reduces the porosity of 3D printed metals and increases their density. For HIP process to deliver quality results, it is important to maintain proper atmosphere control. You can obtain an inert atmosphere by using argon or nitrogen to avoid any possible chemical reactions that may negatively affect your parts.
BOC has the experience and product offerings necessary to properly address the challenges you may be facing with your HIP process. Our team can review your current operations, analyse furnace requirements, evaluate gas consumption, compression and buffering to recommend and design a gas supply system that gives you quality results.