Continuum’s nickel-based Mar-M247 is intended for applications requiring high strength at temperatures up to 1000C.
Desktop Metal has qualified a 100% recycled nickel-based superalloy processed with proprietary technology from Continuum Powders, a provider of sustainable, high-performance metal powders.
The nickel-based superalloy, Mar-M247, is intended for applications requiring high strength at elevated temperatures of up to 1000°C.
Continuum’s re-atomized Mar-M247 powder is now listed as R&D Qualified in Desktop Metal’s binder jet 3D printing portfolio, which already includes almost 40 metals and ceramics.
“We see a bright future for high-quality, sustainable powder options for our additive manufacturing technologies,” said Ric Fulop, CEO of Desktop Metal in a press release. “Having a qualified 100% reclaimed metal powder from Continuum Powders is just a first step in what we hope is a long line of recycled, eco-conscious materials that offer a significant return on investment.”
As with all of Desktop Metal’s R&D qualified materials, Continuum’s recycled Mar-M247 was tested to confirm that it meets all of the material property requirements of the same alloy from conventional metal powder production. The new material is qualified for use on Desktop Metal’s X25Pro binder jet 3D printer platform.
“The fact that we’re seeing reclaimed metal powders validated by Desktop Metal, along with other leading AM OEMs, signals that these materials are now a proven resource for manufacturers,” said Continuum Powders’ CEO Rob Higby in the same release. “Use of recycled powders can shorten supply chains, reduce costs and support corporate goals for carbon footprint reduction.”
Desktop Metal joins Velo3D, Renishaw, and other industrial 3D printing companies in qualifying Continuum powders made with reclaimed materials.
Desktop Metal uses a tiered material qualification system for metals to signify the varying levels of material property results produced by the company’s binder jet technology:
- DM Qualified: Printing and sintering profiles developed by Desktop Metal, with fully characterized material and mechanical properties. Meets MPIF or other similar standards, where available.
- Customer-Qualified: These materials have been qualified by Desktop Metal’s customers with their own standards and are being successfully printed for their own applications.
- R&D Materials: Initial testing completed by Desktop Metal demonstrating binder and process compatibility. Printing and sintering profiles are under final development.
Desktop Metal claims that its binder jet process is particularly sustainable, with powders being directly reusable in the process up to 16 times, according to a 2020 research paper in the Journal of the Minerals, Metals & Material Society.
