Markforged
Markforged Inconel 625 metal 3D print
Markforged has announced the availability of Inconel 625 on the Metal X additive manufacturing platform.
Inconel 625 becomes the fifth material Metal X users are able to access after 17-4PH stainless steel, H13 tool steel, A2 tool steel and D2 tool steel. The material is said to be highly resistant to corrosion and high temperatures and suitable for application in the chemical processing, offshore and aerospace industries.
Nieka Systems, a manufacturer of sample preparation equipment for the mining and cement production sectors, has already taken advantage of the Inconel 625 grade. The company has additively manufactured crucible clips which hold cement or ore samples in place while repeatedly cycling between high and low temperatures. Nieka says these parts are now being produced in-house at a tenth of the cost they used to and can be turned around in a matter of days rather than the four weeks it would take a third-party supplier.
“Investing in the Markforged Metal X system to print with Inconel in-house was a no-brainer,” commented Louis Croisetiere, PhD, founder of Nieka Systems. “For production needs alone, the time, effort, and cost-savings were unbelievable. The metal finish is stunning, and it’s easy to upload the part, get the print running, and if we print five or ten parts on Monday, we’ll able to use them a few days later.”
“Inconel is traditionally a difficult and expensive material to work with. Before Markforged, many would have to wait for a contract supplier, invest significantly in mould creation, or purchase a powder-based process that requires intensive facility build-outs and highly trained technicians,” added Jon Reilly, VP of Product at Markforged. “Now, manufacturing Inconel is fast, safe, and affordable.”
