Freemelt secures order from leading US research institute for refractory metal processing
September 25, 2024
Freemelt AB, based in Mölndal, Sweden, has received an order for a Freemelt ONE Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-EB) Additive Manufacturing machine from a leading research institute that targets material research and application development of refractory metals for energy applications. The new machine, valued at approximately $500,000, is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The customer is expected to use the Freemelt ONE for developing material processes and to industrialise PBF-EB-manufactured refractory components. It was added that, through the sale, the two parties have entered a long-term collaboration and knowledge exchange.
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Refractory metals, with their unique properties, are critical materials for a selection of highly demanding applications. However, they are very challenging to manufacture by using traditional manufacturing methods, explains Freemelt. This is why AM and PBF-EB technology in particular is attractive, as it enables the possibility to manufacture parts with less design limitations, with the highest material properties, and in the most efficient way.
Freemelt CEO Daniel Gidlund commented, “I’m proud and excited about this major achievement and critical milestone for Freemelt, as this customer brings world-class experience, competence, and expertise within the E-PBF area, and their role in influencing and educating the US industry in the industrialisation of Additive Manufacturing.”
“We see a constant and rapidly increasing demand for printing parts in various refractory metals for challenging applications. The fact that this prominent customer will use a Freemelt ONE machine in their advanced and successful research is a strong confirmation of Freemelt’s role in enabling efficient manufacturing of refractory metal parts,” continued Gidlund. “Freemelt’s technology will play a critical role in the future use of refractory metals in applications such as fusion energy, defence, and other critical and challenging applications.”
