2024-01-11 10:52:30
The challenges for the further commercialization of metal 3D printing no longer lie with the printer itself. As the technology begins to go mainstream, the pressure to qualify parts, optimize the manufacturing process, secure the supply chain and manage sustainability are more important concerns. Additive Manufacturing Research draws these conclusions in a worldwide study.
It research agency sponsored by powder manufacturer 6K Additive, conducted worldwide research among companies that use metal additive manufacturing. One in three respondents works at C-level, mainly in industry, aviation, education and service agencies. The majority of participants (40%) come from North America, 25% from Asia and 19% from Europe. 80% use metal 3D printing. 13% print more than 1000 parts per year.
Cost of the powder is 29% less important
Consistency is more important than costs
One of the striking conclusions is that compared to 40% of participants for whom the cost of metal powder is very important, 29% say that costs do not play a role or play some role in the considerations. People consider it more important that the materials meet the specifications and requirements: 52% consider this very important, 26% quite important. Even more important is batch-to-batch consistency: 56% say this. And at the very top is the quality and consistency of the powders. This is considered very important for 68% of the participants.
Satisfied with materials, but future wishes
The vast majority (85%) are satisfied with the AM metal powders currently available. These meet the requirements for the applications that are produced. The most commonly used materials are Titanium (20%), steel (26%), aluminum (17%) and nickel alloys (15%). Only 6% print with refractory metal powders; one in three wants to do this. Although people are satisfied with the current materials, one in three participants say they want new, unique alloys in the future; 37% want stronger materials and 21% lighter ones.
Qualification can easily take up to a year
However, the time needed to qualify a new material appears to be very variable. 13% do this within a week; another 13% need more than a year. There are all kinds of variants in between, ranging from a few weeks (19%) to 1 to 6 months (34%) to 6 months to a year (21%).
You can view the results of the research by Additive Manufacturing Research and 6K Additive download here (following registration).
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