GKN Sinter Metals begins automotive series production of metal AM components
November 14, 2016
Team GKN and Additive Industries (© GKN Sinter Metals/Photographer/Ralf Bille)
GKN Sinter Metals has announced it has begun series production of additively manufactured precision automotive parts at its plant in Radevormwald, Germany. The company is using its MetalFAB1 system from Additive Industries to produce complex engine and transmission components for the original equipment and replacement parts markets. Customers are said to include most of the leading automakers and their system suppliers.
The MetalFAB1 can simultaneously print hundreds of parts on a single build plate. “Depending on how many data sets we feed into the MetalFAB1, these can be 300 identical or 300 different parts. This gives us unprecedented production capacity and flexibility,” stated Dr Simon Hoeges, GKN AM Director.
Simon Hoeges, GKN AM Director, in front of the MetalFAB1 (© GKN Sinter Metals/Photographer/Ralf Bille)
In addition to the AM build process, the MetalFAB1 also incorporates stress relief heat treatment and automated handling. The system uses powder bed fusion with multiple lasers. In a joint development programme the technology is further optimised for the needs of the automotive industry.
GKN Sinter Metals is the world’s largest producer of precision powder metal products, the company offers extensive technical expertise in design, testing and various process technologies. GKN Sinter Metals offers a full range of complex shapes and high-strength products for automotive, industrial and consumer markets worldwide. With the MetalFAB1 system, GKN Sinter Metals stated that it is in a position to offer its customers around the world a range of complex and creative product solutions in next to no time.
