Revolution in manufacturing industry
Additive manufacturing has revolutionised the way things are made. It has opened up new and exciting possibilities for designers, customers and industry alike. At a low cost and in a short timeframe, even complex geometries can be built. It allows extensive customisation, manufacturing flexibility, and on-demand delivery, and has in some fields long advanced from mere prototyping to mass production.
As in all manufacturing processes, the quality of the end product greatly depends on the properties of the base material and the precision of the machinery. Process gases therefore play a vital role in additive manufacturing and are involved in every step of the AM fabrication chain – from metal powder production to surface finishing. Thanks to Linde’s gas and metallurgy expertise, we have been the partner of choice since the earliest developments of the additive manufacturing industry when it comes to finding the right supplier of world-class industrial and specialty gases as well as gas supply solutions.
Modern techniques for high-performance metal part production
Additive manufacturing processes using laser technology, such as laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), laser metal deposition (LMD) and selective laser sintering, are the most commonly used 3D printing processes.
All these processes require industrial gases to protect the hot substrate from the atmosphere and to adjust the properties of the components. Linde offers a wide range of shielding gas solutions for maintaining and fine-tuning material properties.
360° additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing doesn't start or end on the powder bed. Before and after you fuse metal powder into whatever shape you desire, several independent procedures make sure that your workpieces come out as strong and consistent as you need them to be.
Additive manufacturing areas
To ensure pure granulate material, the proper atmosphere for atomisation of metal into metal powder is crucial. A great print requires great base material – which is why our know-how in gases is the perfect foundation for powder metallurgy and keeping the powder unchanged during transport and storage before usage.
Additive manufacturing has revolutionised the way things are made. It has opened up new and exciting possibilities for designers, customers and industry alike. At a low cost and in a short timeframe, even complex geometries can be built. It allows extensive customisation, manufacturing flexibility, and on-demand delivery, and has in some fields long advanced from mere prototyping to mass production.
Powder bed fusion AM is carried out in an enclosed atmosphere. Only the correct gas composition for each metal gives you a consistent printing quality. And only Linde has the gas, equipment and cutting-edge technology to ensure a flawless and reproducible print every time. Your perfect finish requires high-end surface cleaning. Our ADDvance® Cryoclean process uses dry ice to blast powder residues and other unwanted substances from your workpieces the gentle, efficient, and eco-friendly way, and without costly cleaning-related downtimes. It's how a great AM product becomes perfect.
Powder production
World-class gas supply options, technology and expertise for powder metallurgy
No matter how complex your designs or how strict your quality standards: Linde redefines what's possible to let you realize your visions without limits.
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Additive manufacturing value chain with gas solutons from Linde
The process from powder production through to cleaning of the finished item - all the process steps that Linde can play a part in AM are described in this video.
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