Lincotek’s Additive Production Centre adds new EOS machines and obtains quality certification
February 3, 2021
Lincotek Additive, the Additive Manufacturing division of the Lincotek Group, headquartered in Rubbiano, Italy, has increased its production capacity by adding further EOS M400-4 AM machines at its new Additive Production Centre for the aerospace and industrial sectors, located in Switzerland. Additionally, the company has obtained EN9100:2018 certification for its quality management system.
The latest investment in AM machines will allow the Lincotek Additive team to offer customers a reliable additive supply chain with faster response. With productive and high-quality additive processes and efficient Additive Manufacturing production management, the company explains that this will also mean impressive cost efficiency.
The EOS M400-4 is a Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) machine with a build chamber volume (400 x 400 x 350 mm XYZ) with four 400W lasers that enable Lincotek Additive to produce larger parts. The Swiss plant is designed to scale up production and development work in AM, helping customers to build or expand their serial production.
In addition to the AM machines, a high-temperature vacuum furnace has also been installed which is specifically designed for the heat treatment of additively manufactured Ni-base superalloys. A fully equipped metallography lab is also available, along with other analytic equipment, such as a fully automated GOM cell, to develop, qualify and produce AM components. The main focus for the facility from a materials point of view, states the company, is superalloys used for high-temperature applications, such as HASTELLOY® X and IN939. More advanced alloys, including IN738, are said to be currently under development.
Lincotek Additive explains that the facility takes advantage of a strong network of experienced suppliers in the area, thanks to its location between Zürich, Switzerland, and Baden, Germany. The proximity to the French and Italian plants of the Lincotek Group also leads to a close and efficient collaboration, enabling them to offer a high level of manufacturing services from powder to ready-to-market parts.
“As Lincotek Additive, we are able to offer our customers a real Contract Manufacturing alternative in serial AM,” commented Winfried Schaller, CEO of Lincotek Group. “This is enhanced by end-to-end capabilities – coatings and precision machining, for example, if needed. We strongly believe in building a reliable partnership based on a collaborative model offering unique, and customer-focused supply chain solutions.”
