GKN Sinter Metals reports development of new metal powder for Additive Manufacturing

News
June 1, 2017

June 1, 2017

GKN reports development of new metal powder for Additive Manufacturing

GKN Sinter Metals has produced a new case-hardened low carbon alloy steel – 20MnCr5 – for use in additively manufactured gear prototypes (Courtesy GKN Sinter Metals Blog)

 

GKN’s Sinter Metals Blog, edited by Stephen Hoeges, Manager of Additive Manufacturing at GKN, has reported on the development of a new material by the company. In his report, Hoeges stated that GKN Sinter Metals, working with GKN Driveline, has produced a new case-hardened low carbon alloy steel – named 20MnCr5 – for use in additively manufactured gear prototypes.

As well as the ability to be case hardened, 20MnCr5 also features the following desired characteristics, which GKN states are key in parts for a host of industries. According to GKN, the material:

  • is high strength while remaining ductile
  • has a high fatigue strength
  • has excellent wear resistance through case hardening
  • is inherently tough, but still machinable

Manufacturing prototype parts in the new material uses a very similar process to the old, but the parameters and process have been optimised for the case-hardened alloy by carburising each component’s surface before quenching and tempering the part. Carburised components include gears of all kind, camshafts, universal joints, driving pinions, link components, axles and arbours.

Hoeges states that GKN can now manufacture parts made completely of 20MnCr5 and offer hybrid production; meaning that the company is able to combine different manufacturing techniques with metal AM. 20MnCr5 can also be combined with all weldable materials, which Hoeges states could create widespread potential for AM in the aftermarket sector, particularly regarding the production of low-volume spare parts.

Since completing its first small batch of 32 gear wheels in 20MnCr5 for a leading gearbox supplier, GKN Sinter Metals states that it has received numerous inquiries regarding its AM capabilities, and that it will continue working with GKN Driveline on applications for aftermarket sales.

sintermedia.gkn.com/blog

www.gkn.com

News
June 1, 2017

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • Metal powders in Additive Manufacturing: An exploration of sustainable production, usage and recycling
  • Inside Wayland Additive: How innovation in electron beam PBF is opening new markets for AM
  • An end-to-end production case study: Leveraging data-driven machine learning and autonomous process control in AM
  • Consolidation, competition, and the cost of certification: Insight from New York’s AM Strategies 2024
  • Scandium’s impact on the Additive Manufacturing of aluminium alloys
  • AM for medical implants: An analysis of the impact of powder reuse in Powder Bed Fusion

The world of metal AM to your inbox

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Sign up

Discover our magazine archive…

The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

Browse the archive

Looking for AM machines, metal powders or part manufacturing services?

Discover suppliers of these and more in our comprehensive advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of Metal AM magazine.

  • AM machines
  • Process monitoring & calibration
  • Heat treatment & sintering
  • HIP systems & services
  • Pre- & post-processing technology
  • Powders, powder production and analysis
  • Part manufacturers
  • Consulting, training & market data
View online
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap