Velo3D success with voestalpine BÖHLER Edelstahl and Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Technology
October 28, 2024
Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Technology (SBOT), Ternitz, Austria, has installed a Sapphire XC Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing machine from Velo3D, Campbell, California, USA, as part of efforts with voestalpine BÖHLER Edelstahl, Kapfenberg, Austria, to expand beyond its core oil & gas business. Two powder types – BÖHLER L718 AMPO and BÖHLER L718API AMPO – have been approved for use with the machine.
BÖHLER and SBOT began their collaboration focusing on supplying steel bars for the oil and gas sector. The companies’ partnership evolved through joint research projects aimed at developing materials that have since been established in the market. Looking ahead, both companies hope to advance their collaboration and material research for special applications in the AM sector.
BÖHLER played a key role in the initial material certification process for the Sapphire XC, working with materials such as Inconel 718 and Inconel 718API, which, due to a modified chemical composition, is specifically suitable for use in corrosive environments. After successful verification of the two materials, the AM machine was finally transferred to Ternitz and put into operation.
Michael Harsch, Applications Development Engineer at Velo3D, shared, “We at Velo3D are proud to have found an extremely competent and reliable partner in SBOT as our exclusive contract manufacturer for the DACH region. We very much welcome SBOT’s cooperation with Böhler as a powder supplier, as these two companies have had a business relationship for decades.”
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