---
title: "Burgmaier introduces case-hardening steel 16MnCr5 on SLM 280"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/burgmaier-introduces-case-hardening-steel-16mncr5-on-slm-280/
date: 2021-09-30
modified: 2021-09-30
lang: en
author: "Davide Sher"
description: "As a service provider active in AM, Burgmaier has been pushing the limits for innovative tooling. 16MnCr5—a favorite material for the tooling industry—combines a very hard surface with a ductile..."
categories:
  - "Additive Manufacturing"
  - "Hybrid Manufacturing"
  - "Materials"
  - "Metals"
tags:
  - "insights"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Burgmaier_HQ-640x279.jpeg
word_count: 554
---

# Burgmaier introduces case-hardening steel 16MnCr5 on SLM 280

As a service provider active in AM, [Burgmaier](https://www.3dprintingbusiness.directory/company/burgmaier/) has been pushing the limits for innovative tooling. 16MnCr5—a favorite material for the tooling industry—combines a very hard surface with a ductile core, and various heat treatments can flexibly adjust its characteristics to the customer’s needs. Burgmaier has now established a technique of hybrid manufacturing using various steels such as 1.2709 or case hardening steel 16MnCr5: an innovation that allows them to manufacture with the highest precision.

[SLM Solutions](https://www.3dprintingbusiness.directory/company/slm-solutions/) and Burgmaier have been working together for more than three years to redefine what is possible in part processing. The partnership is founded on the technical excellence of both sides coming together to open new possibilities in the tooling industry and hybrid manufacturing.

As a technology leader in metal part processing, Burgmaier actively seeks out innovations to push the industry forward and to create products of the absolute highest quality. With the help of SLM additive manufacturing technology, they have already improved the efficiency, design, and manufacturing cost of various components, including AM cutting tools, manufacturing equipment such as nozzles or claws, and casting molds, all to great success.

The introduction of case-hardening-steel to AM is a game-changer: a new world of hard-wearing designs is now possible—from lightweight tools with flexible cooling channels to resistant and cost-efficient molds. The hybrid-manufacturing process includes an innovative, self-developed system to clamp various base bodies and a standardized approach to manufacture the parts additively in an SLM 280, enabling single-use and series production with the highest accuracy.

![Burgmaier introduces case-hardening steel 16MnCr5 to AM using SLM 280](https://www.voxelmatters.com//wp-content/uploads/2021/09/SLM_280_Burgmaier.jpeg)

Burgmaier achieves a positioning and repeating accuracy of fewer than 0.05 millimeters and a high-quality joint of the base body and the AM part. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, Burgmaier decided to invest in developing both innovations (the work on case hardening steel 16MnCr5 and hybrid-AM- process). This kept Burgmaier at the forefront of innovation and gave them a competitive edge on an already leading market position.

“We are a partner-like solution provider for complex challenges with a high-quality standard. Curiosity and precision drive us to develop the right solution with and for our customers. We provide the advantages of additive, subtractive and hybrid manufacturing from a single source.” Ken Krauss, Director Additive Manufacturing Burgmaier.

At the heart of the partnership [stands the SLM 280 3D printer and its multi-laser, closed-loop powder handling](https://www.voxelmatters.com//slm-solutions-presents-upgraded-slm-280-2-0-3d-printer-tire-technology-exhibition/), a system ideal for medium to high volume metal part production and prototyping. The multi-laser systems can build 80% faster rate than a single laser system, and the patented bi-directional powder recoating boosts productivity by reducing overall manufacturing time. Material flexibility makes it an ideal solution for several industries, from aviation and aerospace to automotive and energy.

SLM Solutions CEO Sam O’Leary points to Burgmaier’s experience and innovative thinking as a key factor in the success of the partnership. “It’s a partner like that of Burgmaier that is a testament to the deep collaboration necessary to achieve extraordinary new heights of technological advancement. This is not a one-and-done story, but a series of success that we will continue to build upon, together.” A major business case will be presented at the SLM booth at EMO Milano 2021, the world-leading trade fair for metalworking: an AM-cutting-tool, all additive and hybrid, lightweight design and innovative cooling channels, ramping up to high series on SLM 280 in the upcoming months.