ADDvance Sinter250 gas mixture supports optimal sintering of BMD printed parts

Linde introduced ADDvance Sinter250, a new gas mixture to deliver optimal atmospheric conditions in sintering furnaces as part of Desktop Metal’s Bound Metal Deposition process. Desktop Metal is a US-based leader in 3D printing technologies and the advanced argon/hydrogen mixture has been developed for the company’s European customers for use with its Studio System, the world’s first office-friendly metal 3D printing system.

Linde will also supply customized installation kits to simplify the implementation of Studio System, allowing for faster start times, as well as consultancy services to advise on gas supply options and best practice for cylinder storage.

Suitable for offices and smaller manufacturing environments, Studio System allows greater access to 3D printing capabilities than the typical laser printer in terms of affordability and its relatively smaller footprint.

In the Bound Metal Deposition process, atmospheric conditions are critical to ensure a high-quality, high-strength part. Without the right atmosphere, the part could oxidize, causing not only discoloration but weakening the part’s integrity.

“Linde has long been a pioneer in the development of innovative gas mixtures to optimize manufacturing processes”, said Pierre Forêt, Senior Expert Additive Manufacturing. “In this rapidly developing world of additive manufacturing, we are delighted to be collaborating with an innovator in the space such as Desktop Metal to supply this gas mixture to their customers.”

The Desktop Metal Studio System is especially suitable for small workshops, design bureaus and larger organizations such as automotive manufacturers that need to undertake prototyping and small batch production volumes.

“Linde has developed a standard gas offering optimized for Studio System and is able to offer this streamlined solution to our European Desktop Metal customers,” said Arjun Aggarwal, VP of Business Development & Product. “This enables us to expand our horizons and bring added value to our business.”

The tailored argon/hydrogen mix of ADDvance Sinter250 is for use on parts made from stainless steel powders, but Linde will also supply a pure argon 5.0 gas for the manufacture of parts made from low alloy steel and tool steel powders.