Kennametal launches KAR85-AM-K tungsten carbide for binder jetting

Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT) launched KAR85-AM-K, its most corrosion-resistant tungsten carbide grade for metal additive manufacturing and specifically metal binder jetting. The material is now available exclusively in combination with Kennametal’s binder jetting 3D printing capabilities to produce fully finished wear components. With KAR85-AM-K, Kennametal combines the advantages of 3D printing, such as greater design flexibility and shorter lead times, with the performance of conventional carbide, to produce high-performance parts for customers in oil and gas, power generation and beyond. Components made with the new grade are already in field trials with select customers.

“Kennametal is leading the way in tungsten carbide additive manufacturing by combining the superior wear and corrosion resistance of our new KAR85-AM-K grade with deep expertise in binder jet 3D printing,” said Jay Verellen, General Manager, Kennametal Additive Manufacturing. “With this new grade, we’re delivering the best of both worlds for our customers—the highly desirable material properties of conventional tungsten carbide with the design flexibility of additive—for high-performance components that go the distance in the most demanding applications.”

Using its deep materials science expertise, Kennametal developed KAR85-AM-K tungsten carbide and binder jetting capabilities can provide corrosion and wear-resistant properties analogous to its conventional counterpart grade, CN13S. Combined with Kennametal’s binder jet additive manufacturing capabilities, KAR85-AM-K results in fully densified, corrosion-resistant components that meet or exceed the properties of conventionally manufactured carbide components.

The new grade composition features a proprietary blend of cobalt, nickel, and chromium for improved corrosion resistance compared to standard cobalt-based tungsten grades. It is Kennametal’s second commercial carbide grade developed for use in its binder jetting additive manufacturing processes and the latest addition to the business’s portfolio of high-performance metal powders optimized for 3D printing.

Kennametal Additive Manufacturing, the company’s 3D printing business unit within its Infrastructure segment, offers comprehensive 3D printing solutions, from raw material to finished part. The business develops carbide, cobalt, nickel and iron powders, including Stellite™ alloys, optimized for specific additive manufacturing processes. At Kennametal’s research and development, prototyping and production center in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the business utilizes laser powder bed and binder jet printing technologies, combined with post-print processing capabilities, to produce fully finished components for customers