One Click Metal highlights PBF-LB for knife manufacturing
One Click Metal, Tamm, Germany, has highlighted the use of Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing in the future of knife production, a sector that places high demands on material performance, precision and design.
One of the key advantages of PBF-LB Additive Manufacturing that has been highlighted is the ability to produce fully functional prototypes without tooling or moulds. Knife manufacturers can iterate CAD changes and quickly test handle or blade geometries using production-relevant metals.
One Click Metal noted that PBF-LB enables the processing of hardenable steels and advanced alloys that are ideal for knife applications. Due to rapid solidification during the build process, the technology produces a fine microstructure, resulting in improved edge stability and reduced microchipping compared to conventionally manufactured steels.
As well as enabling the production of traditionally difficult-to-manufacture shapes, Additive Manufacturing produces near-net-shape components, meaning blades and handles can be produced very close to their final geometry. This significantly reduces grinding, machining and post-processing effort, saving time and cost.
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One Click Metal also noted that PBF-LB allows multiple functions to be integrated into a single component (e.g. bottle openers and screwdrivers).
The company noted that PBF-LB Additive Manufacturing is already being used in real-world knife production by Midgards Knives and Divra. Both companies produce their knives on machines from One Click Metal.
