Mimete and NAM develop additively manufactured pump impeller
October 27, 2022
Metal powder manufacturer Mimete Srl, a member of the Fomas Group based in Biassono, Italy, recently collaborated with Nordic Additive Manufacturing (NAM), Raufoss, Norway, on the successful development of a 90 kg pump impeller manufactured using Mimete metal powders.
NAM repairs, modifies and builds new parts using its laser-based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology, in a process that combines machining and Additive Manufacturing with a multitude of material combinations.
The relationship between the two companies began in 2019, initially comprising test orders, in small batches, using various grades of Mimete’s stock powder, before developing a continuous supply. As of 2022, this supply has enabled NAM to additively manufacture a series of components for the oil & gas sector in Duplex 22CR (MARS F51), a widely used iron-base material whose relatively high content of Cr, Mo and Ni generates better performing mechanical properties when compared to austenitic stainless steel.
Commenting on the challenges faced by the project, Tor Henning Molstad, Head of Marketing & Sales at Nordic Additive Manufacturing, stated, “The geometry of the impellers, at 550 mm diameter and 90 kg in weight, is quite complex, nonetheless the final result was very satisfying, as it passed the fatigue test and is currently undergoing DNV certification.”
“NAM is very satisfied with the results obtained by the cooperation between the two teams,” he concluded.
