As part of its announcement EOS outlined the characteristics that define each material, stating that it’s titanium alloy is both corrosion resistant and biocompatible. Beyond those two properties the Ti64ELI material can be used to produce products that are both lightweight and have high detail resolution.
EOS’s second new material, Stainless Steel 316L, is also a corrosion resistant, biocompatible metal with high ductility. Best suited for orthopedics, implants and surgical instruments, the stainless material is compliant with the ASTM F138 medical standard. In addition to its value in the medical market it could also be useful in the jewelry and watch making industry where design freedom and material reliability go hand in hand.
According to EOS, both of its new materials can be processed through their entire M-series line of sintering machines regardless of whether the printer uses a 200, 400 or 1000-Watt laser.
With aerospace having forged a path that’s allowed laser sintering to enter end-use production in heavy industry, it is encouraging seeing metal materials manufacturers branching out and offering new materials. As the metal AM material palette continues to expand the technology will further establish itself as an alternative to casting. For industries like medicine and design, metal AM printing could be the answer to more cost effective production, particularly in low-run applications.
Image Courtesy of EOS