Freemelt receives machine order from the Polytechnic University of Turin, granted US patent approval
November 2, 2021
Freemelt, Mölndal, Sweden, has received an order for a Freemelt ONE Additive Manufacturing machine from the Polytechnic University of Turin in Italy for the development of new materials. The order, valued at SEK 3.5 million, includes the new ProHeat™ technology and the university will also perform advanced testing and develop methods around the use of ProHeat on behalf of Freemelt.
The Polytechnic University of Turin is a leading university in material science with previous AM development of material processes that have enabled to successful industrial production.
“The research activities of the Interdepartmental Centre for Integrated Additive Manufacturing of Politecnico di Torino covers the full process chain needed for producing additively manufactured parts: the design for Additive Manufacturing, the development of new materials with a relevant background on the gamma titanium aluminides production by EBM [Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion; or, PBF-EB], as well as big experience in the simulation of AM processes and the definition of new and innovative thermal treatments and component finishing processes,” stated Sara Biamino, Professor in Material Science and Technology at the Polytechnic University of Turin. “Now, we are very proud to announce the acquisition of a Freemelt ONE that we are sure will contribute to further improve our capabilities.”
Ulric Ljungblad, CEO and co-founder of Freemelt, commented, “This is an important order for us and a confirmation that customers with great knowledge and ambition in materials development value our product. We are also excited about the ProHeat evaluation that will be performed as this technology provides great possibilities for the future of 3D printing processing. Furthermore, this is our first order in Italy establishing Freemelt as a supplier of advanced 3D printing technology in yet another country in Europe.”
Patent approval
In addition to the machine order, Freemelt reports that it has received patent approval for application number US17/050924 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent provides protection regarding a self-sealing build compartment for Additive Manufacturing metal powder, which reputedly enhances the certainty of contamination-free AM with Freemelt’s method. Protection under this patent extends in the United States until April 25, 2039. In the same patent family, applications in Europe, China and Japan are still awaiting approval.
Ljungblad stated that he found it gratifying that Freemelt now holds an approved patent and that this is expected to be an important moment for the future of Freemelt on the American market.
