- 3D Systems & HII co-developed CuNi30 to allow manufacturing of historically forged components, doubtlessly decreasing lead time by up to 75%
- Direct metallic printing of copper-nickel (CuNi30) leads to common relative density of 99.88% – a major enchancment in contrast to casting
- Material to be commercially out there to handle current want for CuNi casting options in marine, offshore oil & fuel, and chemical & nuclear industries
ROCK HILL, S.C., Sept. 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) is happy to announce CuNi30, a corrosion-resistant, copper-nickel alloy to be used with its DMP Flex 350 metallic 3D printer. This materials resulted from the corporate’s collaboration with HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division to develop supplies and course of parameters for laser powder mattress fusion additive manufacturing. The firms’ deep area experience facilitated the event of CuNi30 and is permitting Newport News Shipbuilding to use additive manufacturing instead of its conventional casting applied sciences. Direct metallic printing components utilizing CuNi30 to meet Newport News Shipbuilding’s low-volume, high-mix {hardware} wants can enhance provide chain effectivity – with an anticipated 75% discount in lead occasions in addition to lowered stock prices.
Copper-nickel alloys are used extensively in salt water, petroleum, and acidic environments due to the fabric’s glorious corrosion resistance, and its anti-microbial and anti-algae properties that allow resistance to algae development throughout prolonged publicity to water. CuNi30 is commonly used to manufacture pipe fittings and valves for the marine (e.g., shipbuilding and restore), offshore oil and fuel, and chemical and nuclear industries. These alloys additionally possess steady mechanical, bodily, and thermal properties (from 400°C down to –270°C) which make them appropriate for cryogenic functions. CuNi alloys are traditionally troublesome to forged, which frequently provides expensive cycles of rework and reinspection to meet high quality requirements. This leads to very lengthy lead occasions and a restricted variety of succesful and prepared suppliers who can help manufacturing of high quality {hardware}. HII acknowledged the potential to notice vital advantages if the DMP {hardware}, materials, and course of may very well be certified for his or her manufacturing elements, and partnered with 3D Systems to make this a actuality.
“3D Systems has earned a reputation as a trusted partner for advanced R&D and commercialization of novel additive manufacturing materials and applications,” mentioned Dr. Michael Shepard, vice chairman, aerospace & protection section, 3D Systems. “We’ve had a decades-long relationship with the U.S. Navy which has helped drive innovation for a variety of applications including aircraft parts and submersible components. Our latest project with Newport News Shipbuilding yielded a copper-nickel alloy specifically designed for AM that results in better part density and mechanical properties as compared to traditional casting. We look forward to seeing how direct metal printing and CuNi30 will be able to accelerate Newport News Shipbuilding’s production workflows and its innovation pipeline.”
“We’re excited to announce the completion of a significant milestone in the development of a CuNi alloy with 3D Systems,” mentioned Dave Bolcar, vice chairman of engineering and design for Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of HII. “Earlier this year we completed a multi-year effort with 3D Systems related to the research and development of a Corrosion Performance Design Guide for Direct Metal Printing of a nickel-based alloy. We’re looking forward to continuing to expand our parameter development efforts with 3D Systems into other alloys of interest to our industry. These developments allow us to further expand the use of additive manufacturing into our platforms in ways that provide positive quality, schedule, and performance benefits to the customer.”
3D Systems intends to add CuNi30 to its industry-leading supplies portfolio to allow the direct metallic printing of corrosion-resistant components for added industries. The materials is anticipated for normal availability within the fourth quarter of 2022.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made on this launch that aren’t statements of historic or present details are forward-looking statements inside the that means of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements contain recognized and unknown dangers, uncertainties and different elements which will trigger the precise outcomes, efficiency or achievements of the corporate to be materially totally different from historic outcomes or from any future outcomes or projections expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In many circumstances, forward-looking statements could be recognized by phrases equivalent to “believes,” “belief,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “intends,” “anticipates” or “plans” or the destructive of those phrases or different comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based mostly upon administration’s beliefs, assumptions, and present expectations and should embrace feedback as to the corporate’s beliefs and expectations as to future occasions and traits affecting its business and are essentially topic to uncertainties, a lot of that are outdoors the management of the corporate. The elements described below the headings “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” within the firm’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in addition to different elements, might trigger precise outcomes to differ materially from these mirrored or predicted in forward-looking statements. Although administration believes that the expectations mirrored within the forward-looking statements are cheap, forward-looking statements are usually not, and shouldn’t be relied upon as a assure of future efficiency or outcomes, nor will they essentially show to be correct indications of the occasions at which such efficiency or outcomes might be achieved. The forward-looking statements included are made solely as of the date of the assertion. 3D Systems undertakes no obligation to replace or revise any forward-looking statements made by administration or on its behalf, whether or not on account of future developments, subsequent occasions or circumstances or in any other case, besides as required by regulation.
About 3D Systems
More than 30 years in the past, 3D Systems introduced the innovation of 3D printing to the manufacturing {industry}. Today, because the main additive manufacturing options associate, we carry innovation, efficiency, and reliability to each interplay – empowering our clients to create merchandise and business fashions by no means earlier than attainable. Thanks to our distinctive providing of {hardware}, software program, supplies, and companies, every application-specific resolution is powered by the experience of our software engineers who collaborate with clients to rework how they ship their services. 3D Systems’ options handle quite a lot of superior functions in healthcare and industrial markets equivalent to medical and dental, aerospace & protection, automotive, and sturdy items. More data on the corporate is offered at www.3dsystems.com.
About HII
HII is an all-domain protection and applied sciences associate, acknowledged worldwide as America’s largest shipbuilder. With a 135-year historical past of trusted partnerships in advancing U.S. nationwide safety, HII delivers vital capabilities starting from essentially the most highly effective and survivable naval ships ever constructed, to unmanned techniques, ISR and AI/ML analytics. HII leads the {industry} in mission-driven options that help and allow an all-domain pressure. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s expert workforce is 44,000 robust. www.hii.com
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