InssTek introduces metal AM machine for HEA research
InssTek, Daejeon, South Korea, is working to make the research of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) less challenging with the introduction of its MX-Lab metal Additive Manufacturing machine.
The MX-Lab, designed primarily for use in material science, is a compact 3-axis metal AM machine, equipped with either a 300 W or 500 W fibre laser. The machine uses a high-precision powder feeding mechanism called CVM (clogged vibration method) powder feed, which reportedly guarantees a fluctuation-free, finely dosed powder feed of 0.03 g to 10 g/min.
Up to six types of powder can be used in the machine and mixed for metal Additive Manufacturing, aided by the specially-developed software Material Designer. The co-axial type active splitter ensures homogeneity before the powder mixtures arrive in the melt pool. All six powder feeders are individually controllable and the composition is variable, even during the manufacturing process.
For the use of highly-reactive metals, the MX-Lab is able to be equipped with an atmosphere purging system that keeps the O2 level below 50 ppm using inert gas.
The intended application of the MX-Lab is material science, with a special focus on different alloys, such as HEAs. Recent experience has reportedly shown that the machine can be effectively used in gradient research and nanomaterial research.
