Sandvik claims to have one of the widest alloys programmes for additive manufacturing on the market, and has worked with Renishaw AM systems since 2018. During this time, the two companies have co-operated in the development of process parameters for a range of Sandvik metal powders, including stainless and maraging steels, and the latest Osprey nickel-based super alloys. Sandvik has recently inaugurated a titanium atomiser and powder processing facility, and will now turn its focus to qualifying these alloys for industrial and medical applications.
“Renishaw’s open machines have enabled us to rapidly optimise process parameters for our alloys,” states Mikael Schuisky, VP R&D and operations at Sandvik Additive Manufacturing.
This parameter development work has highlighted opportunities to make small but important changes to the composition of Sandvik alloys, while remaining within the relevant ASTM specification, to optimise the mechanical properties of LPBF components. Examples of this work include a maraging steel with enhanced strength and hardness, and a crack-free Osprey HX nickel super alloy.
“Much of the innovation in AM in the next few years will come from the pairing of enhanced machine performance with improved alloys,” explains Stephen Crownshaw, AM business manager at Renishaw. “Better alloys mean better material properties, enabling AM components that are even more efficient and cost effective. The consistency of Renishaw’s latest AM systems, combined with Sandvik’s material expertise, provides tremendous opportunities to advance AM processes and make a stronger business case for AM.”
As well as qualifying materials for sale to other manufacturers, Sandvik Additive Manufacturing has developed a range of additive production applications.
“AM is transforming the manufacturing landscape, with better materials and equipment being the driving forces,” says Schuisky. “Sandvik’s end-to-end process knowledge – spanning raw materials, powder production, additive manufacturing and post-processing methods such as machining – puts us in an ideal position to help manufacturers and customers exploit this technology. Renishaw’s latest quad laser systems also help us to extract AM’s full potential.”
