Company Helps Additive Manufacturers Optimize Use of Critical Industrial Gases
Air Products (NYSE:APD) has launched a new website designed to guide additive manufacturers in the proper selection, supply mode, and purity of industrial gases used to improve part processing in the fast-growing 3D metal printing market. The new website provides technical information, online tools, gas supply options and more to help additive manufacturers optimize the industrial gases used in their 3D metal printing processes.
3D metal printing is a revolutionary production method ideal for prototyping and manufacturing high-quality components. The biggest challenge for additive manufacturers is building components in a controlled environment with minimal impurities. Maintaining the proper gas atmosphere by using gases such as argon and nitrogen helps to produce quality parts that meet the high-tolerance standards required in 3D printing.
Air Products has extensive applications knowledge in surface/bulk treatment of metals. "Our range of industrial gases and purity levels will enable companies to experiment and grow with 3D printing technology, whether they are in start-up or full production," said Justin Rabe, Industry Marketing Specialist for Air Products.
Air Products recently worked with TURBOCAM International, a world leading manufacturer of precision metal parts for aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications. TURBOCAM uses high-purity argon in their 3D printing process, which they have found keeps out more impurities, particularly nitrides, and enables them to deliver a better end product to their customers. Following multiple site visits to gain an understanding of TURBOCAM's overall process, Air Products installed a bulk supply system properly sized to meet TURBOCAM's current business requirements, yet scalable to meet future growth projections.
"Air Products has helped us improve our 3D printing on both an environmental basis and a day-to-day operational basis," said Jonathan Bicknell, general manager at TURBOCAM. "We previously used cylinders and always had to check purity levels, leaks, and whether we had enough gas to complete the build. With Air Products' bulk system, now we have consistent purity levels and consistent delivery of gas for long builds."
In addition, TURBOCAM uses Air Products' TELALERTÂź telemetry system, which enables Air Products to remotely monitor their gas supply and schedule product deliveries when they are needed without any interruption to TURBOCAM's gas supply.
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