GKN Sinter Metals reports development of new metal powder for Additive Manufacturing

June 1, 2017

News
June 1, 2017
GKN reports development of new metal powder for Additive Manufacturing

GKN Sinter Metals has produced a new case-hardened low carbon alloy steel – 20MnCr5 – for use in additively manufactured gear prototypes (Courtesy GKN Sinter Metals Blog)

 

GKN’s Sinter Metals Blog, edited by Stephen Hoeges, Manager of Additive Manufacturing at GKN, has reported on the development of a new material by the company. In his report, Hoeges stated that GKN Sinter Metals, working with GKN Driveline, has produced a new case-hardened low carbon alloy steel – named 20MnCr5 – for use in additively manufactured gear prototypes.

As well as the ability to be case hardened, 20MnCr5 also features the following desired characteristics, which GKN states are key in parts for a host of industries. According to GKN, the material:

  • is high strength while remaining ductile
  • has a high fatigue strength
  • has excellent wear resistance through case hardening
  • is inherently tough, but still machinable

Manufacturing prototype parts in the new material uses a very similar process to the old, but the parameters and process have been optimised for the case-hardened alloy by carburising each component’s surface before quenching and tempering the part. Carburised components include gears of all kind, camshafts, universal joints, driving pinions, link components, axles and arbours.

Hoeges states that GKN can now manufacture parts made completely of 20MnCr5 and offer hybrid production; meaning that the company is able to combine different manufacturing techniques with metal AM. 20MnCr5 can also be combined with all weldable materials, which Hoeges states could create widespread potential for AM in the aftermarket sector, particularly regarding the production of low-volume spare parts.

Since completing its first small batch of 32 gear wheels in 20MnCr5 for a leading gearbox supplier, GKN Sinter Metals states that it has received numerous inquiries regarding its AM capabilities, and that it will continue working with GKN Driveline on applications for aftermarket sales.

sintermedia.gkn.com/blog

www.gkn.com

News
June 1, 2017

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • LEAP 71: Why engineering must move beyond CAD to realise the promise of AI and Additive Manufacturing
  • Additive Manufacturing and European defence: a critical opportunity as the US and China accelerate ahead
  • A market analyst’s view: Europe’s opportunity as defence AM surges in the US and China
  • From Fixed Processes to flight parts: How REM’s advanced surface finishing supports NASA JPL’s AM innovations
  • The future of large metal parts: WAAMathon #2 showcases developments in Wire Arc Directed Energy Deposition
  • Wire Electron Beam Directed Energy Deposition (DED): Advancing productivity and sustainability in metal AM
  • Building trust in AM: How Qualified AM GmbH is enabling regulated production at scale

TRUSTED CONTENT. TARGETED AUDIENCE

Advertise with Metal AM and access a global base of 50,000+ AM professionals.

Contact Jon Craxford: [email protected]

  • AM machines
  • Process monitoring & calibration
  • Heat treatment & sintering
  • HIP systems & services
  • Pre- & post-processing technology
  • Powders, powder production and analysis
  • Part manufacturers
  • Consulting, training & market data

Don’t miss a thing – register for our newsletter

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Register now

Join 40,000+ other AM professionals – follow us online

About Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine

Metal AM magazine, published quarterly in digital and print formats, is read by a rapidly expanding international audience.

Our audience includes component manufacturers, end-users, materials and equipment suppliers, analysts, researchers and more.

In addition to providing extensive industry news coverage, Metal AM magazine is known for exclusive, in-depth articles and technical reports.

Our focus is the entire metal AM process from design to application.

Each issue is available as an easy-to-navigate digital edition and a high-quality print publication.

Discover our magazine archive…

The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

Browse the archive

Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap