MolyWorks Offers 3D Systems’ Direct Metal Printing Solution 

3D Systems reports that MolyWorks, a California-based, developer of the circular economy for metal, has integrated the DMP Flex 350 into its manufacturing workflow. As a result, MolyWorks has grown its customer base, including the work the company is conducting alongside the U.S. Air Force to evaluate 3D-printed flight-critical parts, the company reports.

As a producer of metal powder that is used to produce metal parts, MolyWorks needed an additive manufacturing solution that integrated with their workflow. They chose 3D Systems’ DMP Flex 350 due to its vacuum chamber architecture. The vacuum chamber maintains a low oxygen environment (<25 ppm), which reduces argon gas consumption and produces a surface finish with feature detail. MolyWorks is also using the DMP Flex 350’s optional removable print module (RPM). Being able to swap out the RPM allows their team to perform a quick cleanout and get the machine back up and running with another material in minimal time, the companies report.

The DMP Flex 350 includes Oqton’s 3DXpert software, which supports the additive manufacturing workflow from design to post-processing, to transition from a 3D model to printed parts. This software solution for modeling, simulation and manufacturing eliminates the need for multiple software packages.

“The high-value applications we are addressing with additive manufacturing require us to have a metal 3D printing solution that can maintain a very low internal oxygen level,” says Devin Morrow, director of AM, MolyWorks. “The DMP Flex 350, with its unique vacuum chamber, performs in a different class than competitive machines. The vacuum architecture reduces O2 levels to less than 25 ppm and delivers better chemistry control in finished parts and high levels of powder reuse.”

“We’re very impressed by the quality of the landing gear components we’re producing with this printer that will be tested for airworthiness, and are looking forward to the additional applications we will address,” Chris Eonta, founder, MolyWorks adds.

“3D Systems’ Direct Metal Printing solutions continue to deliver value in highly-regulated markets such as aerospace,” says Dr. Michael Shepard, vice president, aerospace & defense segment, 3D Systems. “The combination of our industry-leading technology, Oqton’s software, and our deep applications expertise enables us to help innovative companies like MolyWorks continue to push the boundaries.”

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.

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