Powder supports direct metal laser sintering of stainless 17-4 parts

StainlessSteel 17-4 is a powder for producing 17-4 stainless steel components directly from CAD models using a layer-by-layer additive process - direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). This grade of stainless steel is a proven metal throughout industry and StainlessSteel 17-4, corresponds to the European material 1.4542 as well as to the US steel classification, 17-4 PH. Prior to launch, EOS tested the new material with a group of more than a dozen pilot users, all of which confirmed that laser-sintering is becoming an accepted, flexible production method. One of the group is The Boeing Company, which used StainlessSteel 17-4 for producing redesigned frames for floor-level lighting fixtures in 19 carrier aircraft for an Asian customer. The next material, a titanium alloy, is planned for commercial launch in early 2007.