PyroGenesis Canada Inc. has incorporated all the required improvements to its Additive Manufacturing (“AM”) NexGen™ Powder production line, which is now ready to be used.
For those who do not know, the Canadian company develops plasma atomized metal powder, environmentally friendly plasma waste-to-energy systems and clean plasma torch products for a wide range of industries. The producer’s plasma atomized titanium powders are known in Europe through its supplier Aubert & Duval.
In order to produce quality powders, the production equipment needed to incorporate improvements at the production rate level. The equipment should also feature lower CAPEX, lower OPEX as well as narrower particle size distribution.
With production rate exceeding 25kg/h, PyroGenesis says its NexGen™ Plasma Atomization System has shattered all published plasma-atomized production rates for titanium known to management. The equipment mainly delivers powders to major top-tier aerospace companies, and OEMs.
“We have reached this milestone which many have been waiting for. We are proud to be announcing today, the launching of our state-of-the-art production line incorporating the never seen before benefits of our NexGen™ technology,” said Mr. P. Peter Pascali, CEO and Chair of PyroGenesis. “It was important that we incorporate these improvements into our process before locking it down for commercial orders. As such, we are now able to say that we are producing powders at never seen before production rates using plasma. We are proud to be serving the Additive Manufacturing industry and, once again, opening doors for further advancement.”
Although its powders can be used across several industries, it should be noted that the company has a dedicated brand for the AM industry: PyroGenesis Additive. This division can turntraditional metals and alloys into high purity spherical powders, but it can also create specialty powders on an exclusive basis.
“While incorporating the NexGen™ improvements, it became clear that there were opportunities for further refinements with respect to our downstream powder process,” said Mr. Massimo Dattilo, Vice President, PyroGenesis Additive. “In addition to the increased production rates and yields afforded by NexGen™, the downstream changes that we have also incorporated into the process now allow for even further control over powder morphology, or more specifically, powder particle shape and distribution. This now provides AM printer manufacturers with opportunities to further optimize printer parameters for faster build speeds and/or stronger final parts”.
The announcement follows the recent Grant Plasma Atomization (3D Printing) Patent received from the European Patent Office for the company’s “Plasma Apparatus for the Production of High Quality Powders at High Capacity”.
While this patent is linked to the production of high purity spheroidal powders for use in additive manufacturing, it should be noted that it can also be used in hot isostatic pressing (HIP). In a few words, it aims at providing a simplified device geared to increasing productivity while at the same time allowing for further control over particle size distribution, thereby reducing overall costs. This patent has been filed for patent protection in an additional six different jurisdictions.
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