We are not shy in promoting the Calibur3® system as an exceptional tool for materials development for eBeam additive manufacturing (AM) — both in terms of new and/or difficult metal materials and the fast speed of development.
Our most recent example, that we can share with you, shows you why. This project involves CM247, a superalloy that is notoriously difficult to process and is widely known as a non-weldable alloy, but has superior properties that are ideal for turbine blade and vane applications. An academic partner working with a Tier 1 energy organisation asked us about what was possible with CM247, reflecting a growing demand for this material. We took up the challenge and we were the only company to do so. Within 4 weeks of receiving the powder, we were able to print a test ring as shown in the images. Printing a part this big while maintaining a temperature of 1000˚ C (which CM247 requires) is a unique capability of our NeuBeam® process. As you can see it’s not perfected yet, there is more work to do around full density and geometries, but the results so far are extremely promising within less than a month…this is a powerful demonstrator of what NeuBeam® is capable of.
The availability of the Wayland small build tank makes such material development work much more efficient and cost effective, too.