Velo3D qualifies M300 tool steel for Sapphire AM machines

September 9, 2022

Metal 3D printed M300 tool steel of conformal cooled tooling and high pressure die casting inserts. The build is shown as additively manufactured on the build plate. These types of inserts are widely used to manufacture parts for the automotive industry (Courtesy Velo3D)
Additively manufactured M300 tool steel of conformal cooled tooling and high pressure die casting inserts. The build is shown as additively manufactured on the build plate. These types of inserts are widely used to manufacture parts for the automotive industry (Courtesy Velo3D)

Velo3D, Campbell, California, USA, has qualified the use of M300 tool steel, an ultra-low carbon alloy that delivers high strength and hardness, for use in the company’s Sapphire metal Additive Manufacturing machines. The company states that it has already seen interest in the alloy from automotive manufacturers for use in high-pressure die cast inserts, injection moulding, and other types of tooling. Additively manufactured M300 parts produced on a Sapphire AM machine are currently on show at IMTS 2022.

“By qualifying M300 tool steel for use in our printers, we’re able to service entirely new industries, like automotive and tooling, that can leverage Velo3D’s advanced capability to print high quality, large diameter internal channels for their applications,” commented Greg Brown, Velo3D VP of Technology. “By manufacturing die cast inserts and other tooling components with our technology, we expect companies will be able to build stronger products, improve machining throughput, and decrease manufacturing costs.”

Velo3D explains that its end-to-end solution is ideal for leveraging M300 tool steel due to its ability to build parts with high-quality surface finishes in complex large-diameter internal cooling channels. These channels can prolong the life of the tooling; however, they can be difficult to create with conventional manufacturing methods. Furthermore, while many metal Additive Manufacturing machines can build smaller diameter holes, additively manufacturing large channels can create roughness and susceptibility to cracking.

The company’s Sapphire XC 1MZ also provides customers with a large build volume of 600 mm in diameter and 1000 mm in height. Velo3D states that this is the largest build volume in comparable AM machines from leading manufacturers, making it better suited to fulfil the requirements of industries that require the largest M300 tool steel inserts, like automotive.

Velo3D reports that it has seen high demand for Sapphire AM machines utilising M300 tool steel in both Sapphire and Sapphire XC platforms. The company expects machine deliveries will start as early as Q4 of 2022.

www.velo3d.com

Additively manufactured M300 tool steel of conformal cooled tooling and high pressure die casting inserts. The build is shown as additively manufactured on the build plate. These types of inserts are widely used to manufacture parts for the automotive industry (Courtesy Velo3D)

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • Metal AM in the aerospace sector: from early successes to the transformation of an industry
  • Slowly but surely: Industrialising metal Additive Manufacturing the Norwegian way
  • Hot Isostatic Pressing and AM: How to improve product quality and productivity for critical applications
  • The convergence of Additive Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence: Envisioning a future that is closer than you think
  • ADAXIS: On a mission to reduce the layers of complexity in robotic Additive Manufacturing
  • Exploiting your metal Additive Manufacturing data assets: Faster industrialisation and new revenue streams

The world of metal AM to your inbox

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Sign up

Discover our magazine archive…

The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

Browse the archive

Looking for AM machines, metal powders or part manufacturing services?

Discover suppliers of these and more in our comprehensive advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of Metal AM magazine.

  • AM machines
  • Process monitoring & calibration
  • Heat treatment & sintering
  • HIP systems & services
  • Pre- & post-processing technology
  • Powders, powder production and analysis
  • Part manufacturers
  • Consulting, training & market data
View online
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap