VBN Components introduces pure tungsten Vibenite 500 for Additive Manufacturing
VBN Components, based in Uppsala, Sweden, has introduced Vibenite 500, a pure tungsten material for Additive Manufacturing. Developed over fifteen months with financial support from the Swedish Energy Agency, Vibenite 500 is intended for applications such as radiation shielding and high-temperature protection.
When additively manufactured using Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-EB), the material achieves a relative density exceeding 99.7% and a hardness of approximately 400 HV2.
In gamma radiation testing, Vibenite 500 reportedly achieved a 15% higher shielding factor than the reference tungsten alloy B777 Grade 3. VBN Components attributes this difference to the higher tungsten content and different microstructure of Vibenite 500 compared with the conventionally sintered alloy.
Tungsten’s brittleness at room temperature makes conventional processing difficult, often requiring elevated temperatures and complex manufacturing routes. AM offers an alternative for producing complex geometries, with potential uses in the defence sector.
The development builds on VBN Components’ experience with other AM materials, including its wear-resistant Vibenite 290 steel and Vibenite 480 cemented carbide.
“Tungsten is an extreme material in many respects, and we are proud to demonstrate the ability to produce both thin- and thick-walled components, as well as relatively large parts,” stated Dr Ulrik Beste, CTO of VBN Components. “We have started delivery of parts to customers, and this is an important milestone for VBN Components. A heavy and heat-resistant milestone.”
