Press release
Hanau, November 9, 2016
Heraeus makes the complex design of amorphous metals
possible for the first time through additive manufacturing
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Formnext in Frankfurt: Heraeus expands its portfolio of highmelting-point high-tech materials for 3D printing
Amorphous metals encourage a variety of new applications
and designs
Heraeus will demonstrate additive manufacturing with amorphous metals
for the first time at the Formnext international exhibition in Frankfurt
(November 15-18, Hall 3.1/C20). Amorphous metals are an innovative
class of materials that make completely new high-tech applications
possible. In addition, the technology group is expanding its portfolio of highmelting-point high-tech materials for 3D printing by introducing twelve new
high-quality metal powders with improved flow properties. Tungsten and
gold are among the elements included in the newly developed metal
powders and special alloys. "Thanks to additive manufacturing, bulk
amorphous metals with new design possibilities will for the first time be
broadly accessible to a mass market – not only in their long-awaited use as
a structural material, but also in the near net shape manufacturing of highstrength components with complex geometries and sophisticated designs,"
explains Tobias Caspari, head of 3D Printing at Heraeus.
In this way, Heraeus is making the complex design of amorphous metals
possible for the first time. Through a technology partnership with the
Swedish firm Exmet, agreed upon in June 2016, Heraeus has expanded its
portfolio of 3D printed metals with this highly sought-after group of
materials. Amorphous metals are suitable for an exceptional number of
high-tech applications. They are shock-absorbing and scratch-proof, while
still having very good elastic properties – making them an attractive option
for injectiors, casings for consumer electronics, and dome tweeters for
speakers. (See infographic)
3D printing gives users new design freedom
3D printing is everywhere. The medical, automotive, and aerospace
industries need new metal materials for making structural and functional
components that are resistant to high temperatures. Tobias Caspari is
convinced: "In 2020, precisely tailored applications will determine the
spread of additive manufacturing. Even today, it is apparent that users are
increasingly ready to free themselves from the constraints of traditional
manufacturing. Rather than simply reconstructing a previously used form,
they are intentionally utilizing the design freedom that additive
manufacturing offers. This allows for entirely new geometries, as
overhangs, undercuts, and hollows can be created without tools."
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The Hanau technology group has been developing sophisticated metal
powders and the related processes for 3D printing since 2015. "A market
with great potential, but far from 'plug & play.' The challenges of 3D printing
begin with manufacturing the powder. Expertise in materials and processes
is crucial, because the metal powder and the printing process must be
individually matched with the desired component," says Tobias Caspari.
The applications already range from lightweight bearing covers made from
hardenable cast aluminum alloys and used by race cars in the student
engineering competition Formula Student, to the resource-saving
manufacture of satellite thruster nozzles from platinum alloys.
Information box: Additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is a technology that produces three-dimensional parts layer
by layer from metals, polymers, or special materials. The use of additive methods
such as selective laser melting to produce components from amorphous metal
alloys opens up new possibilities for users. In what are known as powder-bed
systems, layers of a powder (typically 20–50 micrometers thick) are applied to the
substrate plate, and the cross-section of the component to be produced is melted
by laser or electron beam and fused to the underlying structural layers. In this way,
extremely complex structures can be manufactured layer by layer from a wide
variety of materials.
Heraeus, the technology group headquartered in Hanau, Germany, is a leading international
family-owned company formed in 1851. With expertise, a focus on innovations, operational
excellence and an entrepreneurial leadership, we strive to continuously improve the
businesses of our customers around the world. We create high-quality solutions for our
customers and strengthen their long-term competitiveness by combining material expertise
with technological know-how. Our ideas are focused on important issues such as the
environment, energy, health, mobility and industrial applications. Our portfolio ranges from
components to coordinated material systems which are used in a wide variety of industries,
including the steel, electronics, chemical, automotive and telecommunications industries. In
the 2015 financial year, Heraeus generated revenues without precious metals of €1.9 bn and a
total revenue of €12.9 bn. With approximately 12,500 employees worldwide in more than 100
subsidiaries in 38 countries, Heraeus holds a leading position in its global markets. In 2016,
the Foundation for Family Businesses named Heraeus as one of the “Top 10 Family
Businesses” in Germany.
Für weitere Informationen wenden Sie sich bitte an:
Dr. Jörg Wetterau
Leiter Technologiekommunikation & Fachpresse
Communications & Marketing
Heraeus Holding GmbH
Tel. +49 (0) 6181.35-5706
Fax +49(0) 6181.35-4242
E-mail: [email protected]