ExOne Introduces Nickel-Based Alloy For Additive Manufacturing

3D printing materials specialist ExOne says it has qualified Inconel alloy 625, a nickel-based alloy, as the first single metal alloy for 3D printing industrial applications at more than 99% density utilizing its binder jetting technology. The ExOne Material Applications Laboratory qualified the material for ExOne’s M-Flex and X1-Lab 3D printers.

ExOne’s X1-Lab 3D printer.

The alloy is used for aerospace, chemical, and energy industry components. It is oxidation and corrosion-resistant, and can retain its strength under high pressure and wide temperature ranges.

The introduction of  Inconel alloy 625 is part of the company’s strategy to expand its materials offerings. Last year, ExOne announced bonded tungsten and iron infiltrated with bronze, along with new phenolic and sodium silicate binders.

At a shareholder meeting earlier this month, president and COO David Burns said the Inconel material would be offered in early June. The company is also developing ways to print parts from magnesium, titanium, aluminum and other metals.

Earlier this year, ExOne acquired MWT, an industrial-grade microwave company based in Germany, along with the assets of Machin-A-Mation, a machine shop in Chesterfield, MI.

You can see a video of the 3D metal printing process below.

Source: ExOne