AddUp and ECM Group partner to offer heat treatment solutions
The development program will focus on the post-processing of 3D printed metal parts
AddUp, a major player in the field of metal additive manufacturing, and the ECM Group, the creator of innovative thermal solutions, have signed a partnership to develop high value-added solutions for the heat treatment of 3D printed metal parts.
AddUp’s expertise lies in two additive technologies: Powder Bed Fusion (PBF), ideal for the manufacturing of metal parts with complex geometries and improved performance, and Directed Energy Deposition (DED), which is ideal for the repair of parts. AddUp is also a producer of additively manufactured, industrial metal parts.
The post-processing of the part is crucial, when printing with PBF technology. Therefore, AddUp looked to the ECM Group to combine the pair’s experience and knowledge – to develop a high-value-added solution for this essential step in the AM process.
The ECM Group is a French heat treatment equipment manufacturer and has global recognition for its innovative technologies, processes, and services. ECM vacuum furnaces have been developed for more than 50 years and constitute a reference base of several thousand units sold, worldwide. The ECM Group provides vacuum furnace expertise to the heat treatment production needs of advanced industries such as medical, aeronautics, e-mobility, and renewable energies. With exceptional experience in the control of atmospheres, gases, and thermal applications, the ECM Group is a well-suited partner for AddUp to meet the requirements of the mentioned sectors.
“At ECM, we are convinced of the potential of metal additive manufacturing, some applications of which will lead to mass production,” said Yvan Trouillot, Sales Director for ECM. “Our alliance with the French company, AddUp, a key player in this market, will allow us to bring our know-how for the development of innovative thermal solutions to this market, as we have been doing for more than 20 years in the international market of thermal treatment of conventional parts. Together, our ambition is to develop these technologies to help our customers progress by offering them the best solutions on the market.”
During printing, the speed at which the laser moves creates a rapid heating and cooling of the material, which can cause expansion or shrinkage. This often creates constraints inside the produced-parts. To improve the homogeneity of the material, and reduce its internal stresses to obtain the right mechanical properties, it is often necessary to apply one or more heat treatment cycle to the metal parts, post-printing.
“Heat treatment operations are just as important as the 3D printing phase itself, both to reduce the internal stresses generated during the “lasering” phase and to adapt the microstructure of the material and its properties,” said Jean Rivoire, Parts Production Manager at AddUp. “This is why, within AddUp, we are seeking to strengthen this expertise with one of the market leaders; both to reinforce our internal production capacities and to offer a complete solution to our customers wishing to integrate the production of parts made in 3D metal.”
The ECM Group and AddUp will create and develop solutions that will help current and prospective customers reduce their manufacturing costs and lead times, while improving the performance of their parts produced using additive technology.
The two groups will work jointly on a development program to define the appropriate specifications for a heat treatment solution adapted to additive manufacturing applications. Next, the ECM Group will design and industrialize a suitable vacuum furnace system according to the specifications defined during this joint development program.
