We have newly added types that can support motor design. We are restarting design support for axial flux motors! ★ Newly added support this time - Double stator, single rotor type In Japan, there is a high demand for this structure from the perspective of build quality and redundancy, so we have started design services in addition to the conventional types. 　　　◆ Design examples ◆ 　　　　- We have prepared design examples from our company for reference, so if you are interested, please feel free to contact us. 　　　　- For JMAG users, we can provide JMAG models and CAD models upon request. 　　　　　 Please inquire for more details. ★ Ongoing support - Single stator, single rotor type - YASA type There are advantages in electromagnetic design characteristics. If you would like more details, please feel free to contact us!

With the electrification of automobiles, our company has seen an increase in inquiries for small flat motors. Flat motors refer to axial gap motors. This time, I would like to focus on this topic. These motors have different characteristics depending on their structure, so I will introduce three types gradually. 1. Double stator, single rotor type 2. Single stator, single rotor type 3. YASA (Yokeless And Segmented Armature) type This time, I will discuss the mechanical structure characteristics of the "double stator, single rotor" type, which has received many inquiries from customers. This type has a structure that fixes the rotor between two stators on both sides, and it has the following features: - The magnetic attraction force between each rotor and stator is offset, providing stability. - The rotor is sandwiched by both stators, simplifying the fixing method. - Improved redundancy. We recommend this type as an effective option when you want to enhance mechanical strength. → The next column will introduce the motor characteristics of the double stator type. ★ We are also providing motor design technical support. https://premium.ipros.jp/hoganas/news/detail/61838/

This is the third installment of the soft magnetic column. Here are examples of iron core applications where the soft magnetic composite "Somaloy(R)" is mainly adopted and considered: ■ Motors (miniaturization and high power density) Various motors and actuators for driving and auxiliary purposes ■ Passive components (miniaturization and low loss at high frequencies) Reactors and choke coils The final characteristics (electromagnetic and mechanical) of these powder magnetic cores vary due to the properties of the powder, structure, and manufacturing conditions. ◆ Base iron powder (particle size and insulation coating) + Additives (lubricants) ◆ Core manufacturing conditions (compression molding and heat treatment) * Please refer to the materials for details. In order to achieve the final characteristics (electromagnetic and mechanical) of powder magnetic cores while leveraging the features of "Somaloy(R)" mentioned last time, we believe that collaboration with customers is essential, and we are enhancing our technical support. ▼ SMC School ▼ Electromagnetic design support for axial gap motors ▼ Various technical consultations → Previous column https://www.ipros.jp/news/detail/63516 → The theme for the next column is planned to be defects and ways to overcome them. ★ Please feel free to contact us with any requests or questions. jumpei.ikeda@hoganas.com

The second column on soft magnetic materials focuses on their characteristics and applications. One common inquiry we receive is, "We aim to miniaturize motors (increase power density), but it is difficult to achieve this with conventional laminated steel." The soft magnetic composite material 'Somaloy®', which our company is pioneering in development and production, addresses such challenges. Can you recall the keywords from the previous column? High purity, irregular shapes, and insulation coating. ◆ Since it is based on high-purity pure iron: - It has high compressibility and allows for high permeability (high density). ◆ Because it consists of irregularly shaped iron powder: - Complex shapes can be achieved without post-processing through net shaping. - It easily entangles during molding, increasing strength after compression and improving handling. ◆ Each particle is coated with an insulating layer: - This results in low eddy current losses, particularly achieving high efficiency in high-frequency ranges. ◆ Consequently, it enables three-dimensional magnetic circuit design, dramatically improving shape freedom. 'Somaloy®' provides hints for miniaturizing motors (increasing power density). ★ For more detailed explanations or inquiries, please contact here! jumpei.ikeda@hoganas.com ★ Please download the information materials on 'Somaloy®' from the link below.

Recently, have you heard about "soft magnetic composites"? From the perspective of soft magnetic composites, we will gradually unravel 'Somaloy(R)'. 【What is Soft Magnetism?】 It refers to materials that are easily magnetized (high permeability) and have a low ability to retain magnetism (low coercivity). This includes various types and manufacturing methods such as electromagnetic steel sheets, soft ferrites, and powder magnetic cores. 'Somaloy(R)', which is based on pure iron, is classified as a powder magnetic core material. 【'Somaloy(R)' as a Soft Magnetic Composite】 - Manufacturing Method of Base Atomized Iron Powder By injecting high-pressure water into a molten bath (melted pure iron-based material) where the outflow is precisely controlled, the material is finely dispersed and rapidly cooled, solidifying into irregularly shaped iron powder with each particle having a different shape. - Towards Soft Magnetic Composites Each particle of this high-purity base powder is coated with an inorganic insulating layer several tens of nanometers thick, completing the soft magnetic composite 'Somaloy(R)'. → The next column will delve into its features and applications. *Keywords are high purity, irregular shape, and insulating coating. ★ Please download the information materials on 'Somaloy(R)' from the link below. ★ For requests or inquiries, please contact us at jumpei.ikeda@hoganas.com.

With the increase in demand related to vehicle electrification, we are seeing a rise in inquiries regarding our soft magnetic composite material 'Somaloy(R)', primarily from onboard component/system manufacturers. We have recently established a "dedicated lab for soft magnetic composite materials" at Höganas China (Shanghai), focusing on the Asian region. Many of the challenges we encounter while considering the adoption of 'Somaloy(R)' revolve around the "optimization of the manufacturing process for powder magnetic cores." Anticipating future market expansion, we aim to create a more robust support environment to contribute to your product development. 【Support Overview】 - Optimization and evaluation of the powder magnetic core manufacturing process 【Target Processes】 - Compression molding process - Heat treatment process 【Measurement Contents】 - Magnetic properties (magnetic flux density, coercivity, permeability, inductance, resistance, iron loss) - Mechanical strength (bending strength, tensile strength) 【Investigation Contents (Examples)】 - Data measurement under various manufacturing conditions, process investigation, and proposal of solutions, etc. ★ Motor design technical support is also underway https://premium.ipros.jp/hoganas/news/detail/61838/ ★ Please feel free to contact us! jumpei.ikeda@hoganas.com

Heganes Japan Co., Ltd. will be exhibiting at the "2021 ONLINE Automotive Technology Exhibition"! At our online booth, we plan to introduce the latest applications of metal powders in the following two fields, so please visit our online booth! ◆ Sintered Gears for Automotive Transmissions ◆ 1) Introduction of sintered gears for medium-sized vehicles with an input torque of 320Nm class 6-speed MT used in the European Sintered Gear Consortium. 2) Introduction of Alvier AG PM-Technology (Heganes Group), which has advanced technology for molding dies used in sintered gears. ◆ Various Vehicle Motor Cores by SMC ◆ We will focus on application examples using Somaloy, which is virtually the benchmark for pure iron-based powder magnetic cores, specifically in axial gap motors. 1) Axial gap induction motor developed at Shizuoka University. 2) Actuators equipped with axial gap motors adopted by domestic manufacturers. 3) Examples of adoption for passive components, etc. ◆ Sustainability (Towards a Sustainable Society) ◆ Our initiatives through sintering methods and pure iron-based powder magnetic cores.

Heganes Japan Co., Ltd. will be exhibiting at the "TECHNO-FRONTIER 2021 Motor Technology Exhibition"! This exhibition will showcase the latest technologies and products in the fields of mechatronics, electronics, and related specialties. In 2021, it will feature both a real event for face-to-face technical discussions and a virtual exhibition, and our company will participate in both formats. At our booth, we plan to focus on applications using Somaloy® soft magnetic composite materials, which are effectively the benchmark for pure iron-based powder magnetic core materials, specifically in axial gap motors. ◆ Planned Exhibits - Various Vehicle Motor Cores by SMC - ◆ 1) Axial gap induction motor developed at Shizuoka University 2) Actuators equipped with axial gap motors adopted by domestic manufacturers 3) Examples of applications for passive components, etc. 4) Others - electrolytic iron powder These are application examples that leverage the unique three-dimensional magnetic circuit design capabilities of Somaloy®. While taking care of your health, we warmly invite you to visit our booth!

This time, we would like to introduce Dr. Kōsuke Ujihira, a physician residing in Okayama Prefecture, as an example of medical device development. Dr. Ujihira is currently developing a highly curved forceps aimed at achieving minimally invasive surgery with less burden on the human body. The development started with a small-scale approach utilizing Digital Metal's contract manufacturing services. Recently, Dr. Ujihira conducted "intradermal reaction tests" and "skin sensitization tests" on 3D printed products with funding from NEDO, achieving negative (favorable) results. We can say that he has cleared one step in the development process. In addition to the test results, I would like to share Dr. Ujihira's evaluation of Digital Metal. 1. The 3D parts of the highly curved forceps require finishing machining for some components. However, even considering the finishing costs, it has been achieved at about 1/10 to 1/2 of the cost compared to making them solely through machining. 2. Due to the low cost and the ability to directly manufacture from 3D data, the prototype cycle can be accelerated. This contributes to a reduction in the development period. We would like to continue supporting this project. Contact information: Person in charge: Miyamoto masahiro.miyamoto@hoganas.com

The "2021 Automotive Technology Exhibition" will be held at Pacifico Yokohama from May 26 (Wednesday) to 28 (Friday). At the Heganes Japan booth (Booth 160), we will introduce the latest applications of metal powders in two fields: 1) sintered gears for automotive transmissions, and 2) various vehicle motor cores by SMC. We will showcase actual sintered gears for medium-sized vehicles, specifically a 6-speed MT gear with an input torque class of 320Nm used by the European Sintered Gear Consortium, as well as the latest sintered gears (planned) for attendees to see and touch, allowing them to experience the potential of sintered gears. We will also introduce Alvier AG PM-Technology (part of the Heganes Group), which has advanced technology for the core manufacturing process, including molding dies. Additionally, we will present application examples of motor cores using Somaloy, which is effectively a benchmark for pure iron-based powder magnetic materials, along with sample products. This time, we will focus on axial gap motors and plan to exhibit actual machines adopted by customers.

At Heganes Japan, we are offering a 50% discount on commissioned 3D printing using Digital Metal for customers who place orders by the end of June 2021. Take this opportunity to try binder jet 3D printing. Please check the guidelines for printing and contact the person in charge with the necessary information. We will confirm your desired surface finish and dimensional accuracy and provide a cost estimate. ◆ Printing Guidelines The size of the parts that can be printed is approximately 50mm x 50mm x 50mm. We can accommodate parts with one side measuring 100mm. Please consult us. Minimum hole diameter is 0.2mm, minimum wall thickness is 0.3mm. In some cases, we may not be able to accept certain shapes. ◆ Required Information 2D drawings or 3D data*1 Quantity Material*2 *1 Please prepare the 3D data for printing (in STL or STEP format). *2 Choose from 316L, 17-4PH (equivalent to SUS630), Ti-6Al-4V, DM625 (equivalent to Inconel625), DM247 (equivalent to MAR247), DM D2 (equivalent to SKD11), DM Cu (pure copper). ◆ Contact Person: Miyamoto masahiro.miyamoto@hoganas.com

Digital Metal has added pure copper (DM Cu) to its material offerings. Pure copper, known for its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, has a wide range of applications. Typical applications include electronic devices, heat exchangers, heat sinks, and engine components. 3D printing with copper offers unprecedented design freedom and enables optimal designs with fewer constraints. Additionally, copper is known for its antibacterial properties. Compared to copper alloys commonly used in laser PDF-type 3D printers, DM Cu is 99.9% pure copper. Comments from Christian, CEO of Digital Metal: "Pure copper is one of the most anticipated materials and is entirely new for binder jetting. We were able to release it at a perfect time to meet the growing demand for copper applications in e-mobility and thermal conductivity. I would like to emphasize the cooperation of Digital Metal's key users in the process development. I am very pleased that this has been a great help in providing high-quality copper." Digital Metal is continuously working closely with its parent company, Höganäs, the world's largest metal powder manufacturer, to expand its material offerings.

It has been nearly a year since the spread of the new coronavirus infection. I believe many people feel hindered in their sales activities due to restrictions on face-to-face meetings and visits. I am one of them, and Digital Metal, which specializes in precision and fine modeling, often relies on allowing people to touch our modeling samples to convey the appeal that cannot be fully expressed through numbers or photos. However, due to the difficulties in travel and face-to-face communication, the opportunities for people to interact with our samples have significantly decreased. To overcome this situation, we have started a "Sample & Webinar" initiative. We send samples via courier and, at the same time, hold a web meeting to explain the binder jetting process. We do not charge for shipping, including return costs. This initiative began around October of last year. It has gradually gained traction, and recently we have been able to lend samples to new customers almost every week and provide explanations. Binder jet 3D printing is still not widely known. I want to convey its appeal to as many people as possible. Contact information: Person in charge: Miyamoto masahiro.miyamoto@hoganas.com

As the COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of abating, several installations and trial runs of printers have continued. Under normal circumstances, engineers from the printer manufacturer in Sweden would travel to handle these tasks, but this is not possible due to the pandemic. The challenge is how to manage this with only Japanese staff. The problem-solving project adopted "smart glasses" as a support tool. The camera on the smart glasses captures the scene the operator is looking at and transmits it to Sweden. Engineers in Sweden give instructions to the operator through audio and a small monitor installed on-site (as shown in the photo). Although the small monitor set at a close distance was somewhat difficult for me to see due to my presbyopia, I found the smart glasses to be more useful than I expected! That said, various data that cannot be fully captured by the smart glasses alone are necessary for the trial run. The Digital Metal printer is equipped with a function for remote monitoring of the necessary data from Sweden. This remote monitoring function has a mechanism to protect customer data from unauthorized access and is designed to support the operation of the printer. This proved to be helpful even during the trial run, allowing for smooth adjustments.

Digital Metal has added DM D2 (equivalent to SKD11, referred to as D2) to its range of materials. As interest in binder jet metal 3D printing grows, Digital Metal has introduced D2, a tool steel alloy that offers wear resistance and toughness. D2 is suitable for a wide range of applications but is generally used for tools. D2 is suitable for metal pressing and forming. It is a versatile high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel alloy that possesses high hardness and compressive strength due to heat treatment. It is suitable for cold working that requires high wear resistance, sharp edges, and durability. Comments from Christian Lönne, CEO of Digital Metal: "DM D2 is designed to provide excellent surface finish, flexibility, strength, and hardness." "It is very stable during heat treatment, allowing for adjustments to the final material properties through various heat treatments after sintering." DM D2 Specifications --------------------- Relative Density: 98% Hardness: HRC 35 (after sintering) HRC 62 (after hardening) HRC 58 (after hardening + tempering)

Digital Metal has announced a new ancillary device for 3D printers. These devices aim to improve productivity through automation and will begin shipping to customers who have placed orders soon. ◆PPS 1000 Automatic Powder Handling Device The PPS 1000 is a closed, fully automated powder handling device that connects a heated container to the cleaning device and the printer itself, allowing for effective and easy material exchange. The PPS 1000 automatically feeds new powder material, mixes it with recovered powder from the cleaning device, and processes it at a capacity of 120 kg/h. The mixed powder is treated for homogeneity and heated before being supplied to the printer in a powder container for the next build job. ◆DPS 1000 Semi-Automatic Cleaning Device With the increase in production volume, automating the cleaning process can save valuable time. By utilizing the build data of the printed items within the print box, the cleaning nozzle can be automatically moved to effectively remove and recover uncured powder for reuse. Additionally, for cleaning more complex shapes with internal structures, it is possible to manually change the product placement before reintroducing it for cleaning.

To All Our Business Partners △▼Notice Regarding Year-End and New Year Holidays for 2020▼△ Dear Sir/Madam, We are pleased to hear of your continued prosperity. We sincerely appreciate your exceptional support. We would like to inform you that our year-end and New Year holidays are scheduled as follows. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, ◆ Business Suspension Period (Head Office) From Saturday, December 26, 2020, to Tuesday, January 5, 2021 *We will resume normal operations from January 6, 2021, according to the calendar.

Heganes Japan will exhibit Digital Metal/AM powders online at the 3D printing trade show TCT JAPAN 2021. Dates: December 9-11, 2020 Venue: Online booth or Tokyo Big Sight (Heganes Japan will be online only) One of the advantages of online participation is the ability to schedule meetings online, allowing for smooth discussions. Please click the "Details & Application" button below to access the reservation system. While meetings will be held online, we can also accommodate individual requests for in-person meetings or provide samples for webinars if desired. We look forward to your reservations. TCT Exhibition Website https://www.tctjapan.jp/ You can also search for "Heganes Japan" in the exhibitor search and click "Appointment Application" in the upper right corner of the screen to make a reservation. Please be careful not to forget to check the box for "Personal Information/Terms of Use" that appears along the way, as you will not be able to proceed without it.

Heganes Japan will exhibit Digital Metal/AM powders at the 3D printing specialized exhibition TCT JAPAN 2021. Dates: December 9-11, 2020 Venue: Tokyo Big Sight or online booth This TCT event will be held in December 2020 as a hybrid of online and in-person formats due to the impact of COVID-19 and the Olympics. Our company will participate exclusively online. Please click the "Details & Registration" button below to move to the booth. At the booth, we will provide explanatory videos on manufacturing methods and specifications, as well as a collection of case studies. We also plan to offer exhibitor seminars. Additionally, you can use the appointment feature to consult on prototypes or conduct business negotiations online. If desired, we can accommodate individual requests such as face-to-face meetings or providing samples for webinars. We look forward to your visit. *Note: The booth is already accessible, but as of the end of October, it still contains many elements under construction. We will continue to enhance the content leading up to the event, so we appreciate your patience.

Recently, we shipped parts made of DM247 to a customer in Japan. This is the first domestic shipment of DM247, which was added to our lineup in the middle of last year. DM247 is a nickel-based superalloy and is equivalent to the difficult-to-weld MAR M247. MAR M247 is widely used as a high-temperature turbine blade material and for other applications. MAR M247 is known as a non-weldable material and has been difficult to use with conventional 3D printing due to issues with solidification rates and temperature gradients. Digital Metal's binder jet technology is suitable for the fabrication of non-weldable materials. Binder jetting forms parts without adding heat and then sinters them. The minimal temperature gradient from cooling after the sintering temperature leads to high density. DM247 Specifications --------------------- Tensile Strength: 1200 MPa Yield Strength: 750 MPa Elongation: 16% Hardness: HRC 25 Contact Information Höganäs Japan Co., Ltd. Masahiro Miyamoto masahiro.miyamoto@hoganas.com

We have prepared samples that utilize the characteristics of Digital Metal. This time, I would like to introduce a somewhat unusual sample from that selection. The sample is a rectangular prism measuring 8.5 x 8.5 x 5 mm, featuring fine through holes and slits (see photo). Some of the very small holes are not fully through, and the slits are distorted. I believe it is rare for printer manufacturers to present failed samples, but Digital Metal has intentionally made this one public. One customer mentioned, "This sample is very helpful. It clearly shows the limits of how fine and deep holes can be created, and what happens when fine slits are made." I consider this to be an episode that demonstrates Digital Metal's attitude of wanting customers to understand the limits and use the technology with confidence. We offer samples that well represent the features and appeal of Digital Metal for free loan. If you are interested, please fill out the inquiry form with "Request for Loan" or contact us directly at the following address: masahiro.miyamoto@hoganas.com.

Until now, we had imposed a restriction that prevented us from using Digital Metal to manufacture eyewear components due to licensing issues. It has been very difficult to decline all inquiries from specific industries and customers, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. We are pleased to announce that this restriction has been lifted, and we can now freely produce eyewear components. Parts produced in mass by Digital Metal, which specializes in small and precise shaping, have been used in eyewear manufacturing in Europe since around 2017. We have also started accepting orders for eyewear components in Japan, so please feel free to contact us. Shaping Performance (Excerpt - Reference) ------------------------- Recommended dimensions: 50x50x50mm Dimensional accuracy: ±0.5% or ±50μm Hole diameter: 0.2mm Thickness: 0.3mm (0.2mm for partition wall structures) Surface roughness: Ra=6μm (Blasted finish Ra=3μm, Super finish Ra=1μm) Contact Information Höganäs Japan Co., Ltd. Masahiro Miyamoto masahiro.miyamoto@hoganas.com

To prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, events such as exhibitions and seminars have been forced to be canceled. As an alternative to events, the use of webinars is expanding. We also considered holding webinars, but we believe that: - Simply using images and audio is not enough to convey the appeal of Digital Metal. - Allowing customers to physically handle parts precisely shaped by the binder jetting process is the best way to demonstrate our products. Therefore, we have started a service to lend out sample products of Digital Metal free of charge. - We will lend out samples that well represent the features and appeal of Digital Metal for free. - An online seminar explaining the binder jetting process will also be held to coincide with the timing when the samples reach the customers. We have conducted several sample lending plus seminar sessions so far, and we have received positive feedback from all customers. If you are interested, please fill out the inquiry form with "Request for Lending" or contact us directly at the following address: masahiro.miyamoto@hoganas.com We look forward to hearing from customers interested in binder jetting 3D printers.

The features of Digital Metal can be summarized as follows: - Capable of precisely shaping small parts - High design freedom - Good surface quality - Suitable for mass production - Possible to change shapes and customize This time, I would like to highlight "high design freedom." The photo shows parts designed by KOMNI, which is developing medical devices using Digital Metal. The parts are cylindrical with a length of 98mm, and within this single piece, various structures are included as shown below. - Lattice (hollow) structure - Complex groove processing - Screw machining - Variation in inner diameter - Thin-walled section of 0.2mm thickness (the entire cylinder has a thickness of 1mm) - Square holes on the end face Digital Metal can mass-produce such parts without changing setups. Although not directly related to design freedom, design changes can be made simply by replacing data, without worrying about material constraints or changes in processing instructions. In fact, we were able to easily accommodate design changes just before manufacturing. I see this as an episode that illustrates the flexibility of Digital Metal's response.

IHI Aerospace, which is engaged in space business, has announced the propulsion module "Pinot-G" for small satellites. "Pinot-G" is a highly innovative product designed for small satellite users, featuring an all-in-one, low-cost, and safe propulsion system. For more details about "Pinot-G," please refer to the link to the IHI Aerospace website at the bottom of this page. This page introduces the use of a thruster (a nozzle-shaped component) made with a 3D printer for "Pinot-G." This thruster was manufactured using Digital Metal's 3D printer. You can find the following information on the page: - Appearance of the component - Appearance when integrated into the device - Scenes from ground combustion tests This is a valuable case that has been permitted to be introduced as a Digital Metal user case, so I highly recommend checking it out.

On May 29, a book titled "Development of Materials for 3D Printers and High Precision of Printed Objects" was published by the Technical Information Association. - Balancing "cost reduction" and "high precision" for mass production of final products - Compatibility between materials and printing technology, and measures against surface roughness, gas burn, weld lines, etc. These are the main themes. In this context, Digital Metal is featured in Chapter 5 as a 3D printing method characterized by high precision using metal binder jetting. The content includes the following: - Printing principles - Printing speed - Heat treatment and cleaning - Materials - Case studies If you have the opportunity, please do read it. For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact here: masahiro.miyamoto@hoganas.com

This time, we will highlight the appeal of Digital Metal and the printer upgrades. While this is not limited to 3D printers, one concern when making a high-cost purchase is "obsolescence." No one wants to feel disappointed when a new model with improved performance is released shortly after they have acquired a device. We want our customers to use Digital Metal printers with peace of mind for a long time. An example of this is the software upgrade introduced in April 2020, which "tripled the build speed." We plan to continue offering software upgrades twice a year. This time, we would also like to introduce hardware upgrades. The printer on the left side of the photo was shipped in 2015. This printer, through upgrades such as increased build box capacity and additional enclosures, has been operated by customers with performance equivalent to the latest model (on the right) even as of 2020. This is the unique appeal of Digital Metal, designed with future upgrades in mind. For inquiries, please contact: masahiro.miyamoto@hoganas.com

The features of Digital Metal can be summarized as follows: - Capable of precisely shaping small parts - High design freedom - Good surface quality - Suitable for mass production - Capable of shape changes and customization This time, I would like to pick up on "capable of precisely shaping small parts." A well-known test data for 3D printers is the chess piece rook. It is very difficult to shape this 3D form, which has fine spiral stairs inside, according to the data using conventional methods. However, Digital Metal's binder jetting technology can precisely shape this form in metal. In the photo, rooks are shaped in different sizes ranging from 3mm to 30mm (made of 316L). Of course, the smallest rook also has spiral stairs shaped inside. Digital Metal specializes in relatively small parts that fit within a size of about 50mm cubic. For small parts, a size of approximately 1x1x3mm is recommended. With advancements in technology, the shaping size has gradually expanded, and depending on the shape, parts up to about 80 to 150mm in size have become possible to shape.

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on industries. In this situation, there are reports of supply chain innovations, such as the manufacturing of missing parts through 3D printing. Here, I would like to shift the perspective a bit and discuss how 3D printers can change work practices in a situation where contact with people must be minimized. At our factory in Sweden, we are utilizing binder jet 3D printers to implement the following work practices: - No need for molds, eliminating setup work - Easy changes in material types and preparation for printing (basically a one-person operation) - Adjusting work hours using timer operation - Simple material management (round bars, shaped steel, sheets, etc. vs. only powder) - Support-free, high surface quality with minimal post-processing and less susceptibility to disturbances Of course, the 3D printer itself does not prevent viruses, and precautions such as ensuring that parts and equipment do not come into contact with viruses are the same as with existing methods. The effectiveness will become clearer over time, but so far, we have been able to work without causing significant delays. The above is the opinion of the person in charge, Miyamoto. For inquiries, please contact here: masahiro.miyamoto@hoganas.com

As you are aware, many events have been canceled or postponed due to the impact of COVID-19. Digital Metal is no exception, and we are very disappointed to have lost the opportunity to introduce our printers and technology to our customers. In light of this situation, we have prepared a virtual event that allows you to feel closer to Digital Metal. In addition to a greeting from our new CEO Christian Lönne, who has been leading Digital Metal since October last year, we have gathered information to convey the latest status of our unique binder jetting 3D printing technology, which produces small and complex parts with high productivity. If you have time, we invite you to experience Digital Metal's technology.