Dyndrite and UPM partner to introduce data intelligence for build plates
May 2, 2023
Dyndrite, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA, announced that United Performance Metals (UPM), headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, has entered into a joint agreement to create ‘smart’ metal build plates for the metal Additive Manufacturing industry.
Build plates are an integral component in metal AM, laying the foundation for every part being built. Unfortunately, many users in the space do not record key data that might help unlock information about the lifecycle and history of their build plates. Without this information, for example, Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) users face an increased risk of powder levelling issues, internal fatigue, and plate warpage that can lead to lost time and costly build failures.
“UPM is excited to partner with Dyndrite and its metal users to unlock the keys to build plate life,” stated Chris Prue, UPM Additive Solutions. “Through data, we can put knowledge in the hands of the user to raise throughput and reduce failures. Build plate usage data helps customers understand and manage their usage and demand for plates to keep costs low while keeping inventory available to reduce downtime. Through smart build plates and a reliable supply chain, we can collectively mature and grow the industry.”
Harshil Goel, founder and CEO, Dyndrite, added, “For the AM production industry to scale, we must develop new tools to enable it. By working with UPM and leveraging the power of machine data we can accelerate learning, improve predictability and grow. Through insights of the data we allow users to make less risky decisions on their build plates to assure success.”
UPM currently offers subscription-based services to track build plates from initial manufacture to customer and through refurbishment cycles. Each plate is serialised and maintains accessible quality inspection data. Smart Build Plate customers can view build data associated with each plate from the machine (pre-heat, laser power, powder melted, heat treatment, stress relief) along with other conditions that the build plate will be exposed to.
The UPM Smart Build Plate service will support all major metal Additive Manufacturing OEMs, including Aconity, EOS, Renishaw and SLM Solutions, and is expected to roll out in Q3 2023.
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