Linde launches advanced oxygen measuring technology for Additive Manufacturing
September 23, 2016
Linde Gases, a division of The Linde Group, has announced the launch of its ADDvance™ O2 precision, a measuring and analysis unit which will enable metal additive manufacturers to analyse and control more precisely the level of oxygen and humidity in the build chamber.
The new technology, which has been developed in response to a need identified by aerospace company Airbus Group Innovations, can detect oxygen levels up to 10 parts per million (ppm) in the build chamber and then modify the gas atmosphere by adjusting the level of argon or nitrogen.
The presence of too much oxygen or humidity can pose a challenge as it can negatively impact the quality and performance of the item being manufactured. In addition to ADDvance™ O2 precision allowing for more accurate levels of oxygen and humidity, it does so without cross-sensitivity effects and ensures a constant level of oxygen during the process.
The launch comes on the back of Linde’s recent opening of a dedicated industrial gases laboratory for Additive Manufacturing in Unterschleissheim, Munich, Germany. The focus of the laboratory is to research the effect of different atmospheric gases and gas mixtures on the different metal powders used in Additive Manufacturing in order to optimise the various layering processes.
Reproducibility is one of the most important parameters for industries requiring strict consistency in end product, such as the aerospace and automotive industries. ADDvance™ O2 precision is an effective solution to improve reproducibility and through its new research facility Linde states that it will continue to lead research into how oxygen and humidity impact the additive manufacturing process.
“Linde has always played a leading role in developing new technologies for our customers in order to improve the efficiency of their production processes and quality of output,” stated Pierre Forêt, responsible for Additive Manufacturing R&D at Linde. “That Airbus Group Innovations selected Linde to work with them to overcome such a challenge in the pioneering area of Additive Manufacturing is testament to Linde’s technical competence and innovative spirit.”
ADDvance™ O2 precision will be unveiled at Linde’s stand 121-123 at World PM2016, October 9-13, Hamburg, Germany and can also be seen at EuroBlech on stand 142, hall 13, from October 25-29 in Hannover, Germany.
