Bodycote
Bodycote AM metallurgy processes
A complex component made with a Bodycote Powdermet process.
Bodycote, a leading provider of heat treatment and specialist thermal processing services, has launched a group of additive manufacturing processes tailor made for use in the production of complex components which use powder metallurgy.
Under the brand, Bodycote Powdermet technologies, and developed off the back of decades worth of experience in using powdered metal to manufacture complex components, Bodycote’s latest market offering is made up of several new, patent-pending techniques.
The processes combine 3D printing with net shape and near net shape techniques, and promise reductions in manufacturing time and cost, compared to manufacturing methods using solely 3D printing.
Powdermet technologies are said to completely consolidate the powder used in the making process, thus avoiding the flaws associated with unconsolidated powder, as well as achieving structural homogeneity and eliminating internal porosity. The process can produce components with varying surface features and thicknesses, and with higher structural integrity than alternative techniques. Additionally, thanks to 3D printing technology, larger components can be built as one form, rather than building separate components and brazing or welding them together.
Meanwhile, different parts of a component can be formed from different alloys, bringing a more cost-efficient solution, and the design can be tailored so the exact requirements relative to the desired performance levels are not compromised by machining operations. It all culminates in what Bodycote believes is borderline revolutionary.
“The recent breakthroughs are truly game changing technologies for component design and manufacturing,” said Stephen Harris, Bodycote Group Chief Executive Officer. “Industry applications are wide ranging with early adoption expected in aerospace, oil and gas, power generation and mining.”
The company, encouraged by its recent developments, has committed to investing further in resources and capital for the progression of its additive-based technologies. It feels it can create significant value for customers, and expects a surge in demand. As well as its Powdermet technologies, Bodycote offers its European and North American customer base a full range for heat treatment, hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and electrical discharge machining (EDM).
