MBJ, SLM, DED, EBM... There are various types of metal 3D printing, and I will explain the differences. 1. SLM and EBM This method involves melting a layer of powder (Powder Bed) locally using a laser or electron beam to create the object. It is also called Powder Bed Fusion. SLM stands for Selective Laser Melting, and EBM stands for Electron Beam Melting. Different manufacturers may use other abbreviations. 2. DED and BPT This is a micro-additive manufacturing method that locally melts powder while supplying it with a laser. DED stands for Directed Energy Deposition, and BPT stands for Blown Powder Technology. 3. Binder Jetting This method solidifies the Powder Bed with a binder (adhesive) to create the object. After forming, debinding (removal of the binder) and sintering are necessary, but the material does not melt. It is abbreviated as MBJ (Metal Binder Jet). - Summary There are three types of metal 3D printing: PBF, DED, and MBJ. MBJ creates objects without melting the material.

The term "3D printing" is said to have been first used by Professor Emanuel M. Sachs of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Professor Sachs's father worked for a publishing company, and it is said that as a child, Professor Sachs was shown a printing press by his father. This is said to be the inspiration for the term "3D printing." In 1993, Professor Sachs developed and patented an inkjet-based process for creating three-dimensional objects using powders (ceramic, metal, or resin), which is considered the origin of the binder jetting method. Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Mechanical Engineering Website http://meche.mit.edu/news-media/new-era-3d-printing : A New Era in 3D Printing

I will explain the process of Digital Metal using the binder jetting method. 1. Preparation for Forming Decide how to arrange and position the 3D CAD data for forming. The shape data is sliced in the vertical direction at a pitch of 42 micrometers. 2. Forming Metal powder is spread evenly at a pitch of 42 micrometers, and the binder (adhesive) is printed based on the shape data. The forming takes place inside a metal box called a forming box. 3. Curing Once printing is complete, the forming box is removed and heated to solidify (cure) the binder. 4. Cleaning By using air blow, the formed product (green body) solidified with the binder can be removed. Almost 100% of the metal powder that was not solidified with the binder can be reused. 5. Debinding The green body is placed on a sintering tray and heated to vaporize and remove the binder. 6. Sintering After debinding, the formed object is heated in a high-temperature vacuum sintering furnace, causing the metal powder to diffuse and bond, resulting in the physical properties of the metal. 7. Post-processing If necessary, blasting or polishing treatments are applied to finish the parts. - Summary The Digital Metal process consists of two steps: forming and heat treatment. The total time required for the series of processes is approximately 2 days.

Digital Metal has begun an upgrade to triple the printing speed of its metal binder jet printer, the DM P2500. This allows for an increase in production volume per hour while maintaining high quality. The upgrade is implemented through a software exchange and will be available for existing printers as well. All moving parts of the DM P2500 are designed with micron-level precision, ensuring excellent reproducibility. The high stability of the 160 mm thick granite base reduces the impact of vibrations on printing. Additionally, the printer does not require printing supports, and its high surface quality and resolution minimize post-processing time. With reliability, reproducibility, and high productivity, the DM P2500 is ideal for mass production of small, complex metal parts. The new software is standard on all new printers and will also be applied to installed printers. Alexander, Digital Metal's Sales & Marketing Manager, stated, "The upgrade allows us to increase production volume without sacrificing quality. We plan to implement similar significant upgrades twice a year in the future."

We have updated the Japanese catalog for Digital Metal. The catalog consists of two types. ◆ 3D additive manufacturing technology for small metal complex-shaped parts 'Digital Metal' - This explains the binder jetting method of manufacturing. ◆ Metal 3D printer Digital Metal DM P2500 - This mainly explains the printer itself. The main points of revision are the material lineup. ◆ SUS316L ◆ 17-4PH (equivalent to SUS630) ◆ Ti-6Al-4V ◆ DM625 (equivalent to Inconel625) - added in 2019 ◆ DM247 (equivalent to MAR247) - added in 2019 For data on allowable stress and hardness, please refer to "3D additive manufacturing technology for small metal complex-shaped parts 'Digital Metal'."

Digital Metal will exhibit at TCT2020, which will be held at the end of January 2020. During the event, in addition to displaying metal sample products created using the binder jetting method, we will hold seminars and mini-seminars explaining the development status of Digital Metal and the latest market trends. ◆ Highlights - Introduction and display of customer case studies - Display of samples not yet released in Japan - Exhibitor seminar January 31 (Friday) 14:10 - 14:55 Conference/Introduction stage in Hall 4 South No registration required / Free At our booth, we will provide a wide range of support, from consultations on specific designs to business discussions regarding equipment introduction. *It is expected to be crowded on the day. We recommend that customers wishing to meet contact us in advance. We look forward to your visit.

In December 2019, ShareLab NEWS, a news site for those who are pioneering new prototype areas using 3D printers, visited our company for an interview with Digital Metal. During the interview, we introduced high-precision samples that leverage the features of the binder jetting 3D printer Digital Metal, explained the characteristics of the binder jetting method, and discussed its applications in the market. You can access the ShareLab NEWS page through the link in the "Related Information" section at the bottom of this page, so we encourage anyone interested in Digital Metal to take a look.

Recently, Digital Metal's metal 3D printers have achieved a milestone of 500,000 printed parts. This accomplishment is thanks to our customers who regularly use our printing services, and we are grateful for their support. Digital Metal's 3D printers are: - Delivered and used in Europe, North America, and Asia. - Equipped with the highest level of precision, have a wealth of printing experience, and are actually used in mass production. - Have exceeded 500,000 parts manufactured, with a supply of 30 items and approximately 40,000 parts per year in mass production. Digital Metal will continue to expand our achievements by contributing to our customers' value creation.

The first unit of the metal binder jetting 3D printer DM P2500 has been delivered in Japan and began operation in October. In October 2019, the first Digital Metal 3D printer DM P2500 in the country was delivered, and after installation and trial operation, it was successfully handed over to the customer. The DM P2500 is a metal binder jetting 3D printer that is being recognized and noted in Europe and the United States, where parts manufacturing using 3D printers has already begun, for its ability to produce complex-shaped parts with high surface quality. Prior to the first delivery in Japan, a two-week customer training was conducted at Digital Metal in Sweden, where knowledge and skills regarding operation methods and handling of the metal powder materials were acquired. At the customer site, in addition to the installation and adjustment of the printer itself, training and support were provided through operator training using the actual machine, ensuring that the customer can use it with confidence. Digital Metal / Heganas Japan will continue to support the smooth operation of the customers who have adopted the system.

Digital Metal A will be exhibiting at Formnext, held in Frankfurt, Germany. We will also have a live demonstration of the binder jetting metal 3D printer DM P2500. Additionally, as Höganäs, we are open to business discussions regarding AM powders. For more details, please refer to the event information. https://formnext.mesago.com/events/en/exhibitor-search.detail.html/digital-metal-ab-co-hoeganaes-ab.html If you could provide us with the schedule and approximate times, it would help our local staff assist you smoothly. We have already received appointment requests from several customers in Japan. We recommend reaching out to us in advance when you visit. Contact information for advance notice: Miyamoto Masahiro Höganäs Japan Co., Ltd. 03-6361-2410 (direct) masahiro.miyamoto@hoganas.com We look forward to your visit.

At the seminar hosted by AndTech Co., Ltd., titled "Binder Jet Printer Digital Metal - Latest Situation," Heganas Japan will give a presentation. The presentation is expected to include information not yet disclosed in Japan, covering recently added materials, application examples, and development directions. Date and Time: Tuesday, October 29, 2019, 10:30 AM - 3:45 PM *Our presentation is scheduled from 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM. For details about the presentation and for those wishing to attend, please check the organizer's website for information and registration. https://andtech.co.jp/2703/ Additionally, by logging into the above site with the password "R91008," you can receive a discount of 11,000 yen. We look forward to your attendance.

Digital Metal has begun the release of two types of superalloys. These exhibit excellent strength and corrosion resistance under high temperature and high stress conditions, making them suitable for aerospace, automotive, and chemical applications. ◆ DM 247 is based on MAR M247, which is difficult to weld. It is widely used in high-temperature turbine blade materials and other applications. ◆ DM 625 is based on Inconel 625. Its applications range from seawater applications and chemical processing equipment to the nuclear industry and aerospace. Non-weldable materials like MAR M247 have been challenging to use in conventional 3D printing due to issues with solidification rates and temperature gradients. Digital Metal's binder jetting technology is suitable for printing non-weldable materials. Binder jetting prints without adding heat and then sinters the material. Cooling from the sintering temperature results in minimal temperature gradients, leading to high density. Digital Metal material lineup: ◆ SUS316L ◆ 17-4PH (equivalent to SUS630) ◆ Ti-6Al-4V ◆ DM625 (equivalent to Inconel 625) .. NEW ◆ DM247 (equivalent to MAR 247) ... NEW For data on allowable stress, hardness, etc., please refer to the catalog.

Digital Metal has been recognized by the world! At the 3D Printing Industry Awards held in June, Digital Metal received the Innovation of the Year award for this year. The 3D Printing Industry Awards is an event organized by the international industrial media 3DPI (3D Printing Industry). Nominations were announced in the spring of 2019, and over 80,000 votes were cast online. The award ceremony held in London was attended by 150 guests from more than 60 3D printing companies. Alexander Sakratidis from Digital Metal was present at the ceremony. "We are truly delighted that our efforts have been recognized by the industry." [Nominations for Innovation of the Year] · Digital Metal, high-precision 3D metal printing · XJet Nano Particle Jetting · EOS LaserProFusion ...

At Heganas Japan, we conduct seminars on metal 3D printers for businesses and educational institutions. On July 8th, we visited Tokyo University of Science to give a lecture on metal 3D printers. During the seminar, we explained the following topics using videos and sample models: - The mechanisms and differences of various metal 3D printing methods - The characteristics of the binder jetting method and its applications in industry - Methods for producing metal powders - Future prospects for metal 3D printers Approximately 50 mechanical engineering students attended the seminar. After the seminar, some students expressed a desire to learn more about 3D printers, so I believe it was generally well received. The seminars we conduct cover a wide range of topics unique to Heganas, which is involved in everything from metal powder production to 3D printer development. If you are interested in conducting a seminar, please feel free to contact our representative, Miyamoto, at 03-6361-2410 (direct) or masahiro.miyamoto@hoganas.com.

At the "International Symposium on Space Technology and Science (ISTS)" held in Fukui Prefecture, Mr. Masahiro Takahashi from IHI AEROSPACE gave a presentation titled "Development Status of 4N Class Low-cost Thrusters Made of 3D-Printed Metals." The content focused on an advanced initiative to manufacture components for attitude control thrusters used in small satellites, which have seen increasing demand in recent years, using 3D printing technology. During the presentation, it was mentioned that Digital Metal's binder jet metal 3D printer was used for the manufacturing technology of the components. The presentation highlighted the advantages of utilizing the surface quality of 3D printing and the binder jet method, including: - Reduction of the number of parts from over 10 to 3 - Reduction of welding points from 10 to 1 - 40% cost reduction and 50% reduction in lead time These benefits garnered the interest of the participants. Digital Metal will continue to support IHI AEROSPACE's initiatives.

We have added Japanese subtitles to a video that conveys the latest situation of Digital Metal. You can watch it on YouTube or the IPROS product page. [YouTube] https://youtu.be/BxCSKw1ui8w [IPROS Product Page] https://www.ipros.jp/product/detail/2000450076?hub=59+932997 In the video, we introduce: ● The operation of the metal 3D printer "DM P2500" and its features ● Automation of the powder removal process ● The No-Hand Production Concept (a concept for fully automating the 3D printing process) As mentioned in the comments of the video, Digital Metal is mass-producing 40,000 parts annually across 30 different types. These are incorporated into products and are already circulating in the market, primarily in Europe. Japan, where the use of metal 3D printers is limited to prototyping and mold making, can be said to be significantly lagging behind in this regard. Please check for yourself how 3D printing is transforming industries.

At the 2019 Spring Conference of the Japan Society of Powder Metallurgy (JSPM), Heganas Japan will give an invited lecture on the theme of "Manufacturing Technology for Powders for 3D Printers." Date and Time: June 5, 2019 (Wednesday) 16:50–17:10 *This will be in the latter part of the "Lecture Special: Powder Manufacturing Technology and Its Applications" from 16:10 to 17:10. For details of the lecture and for those wishing to attend, please check the organizer's website for information and registration. https://confit.atlas.jp/guide/event/jspm2019s/top?lang=en We look forward to your attendance.

You can now watch a video on YouTube that provides the latest updates on Digital Metal. How Digital Metal is transforming 3D printing into serial production. https://youtu.be/nxzgQWoTKDY In the video, we introduce the latest developments focusing on: ● The operation and features of the metal 3D printer "DM P2500" ● Automation of the powder removal process ● The No-Hand Production concept (a concept for fully automating the entire 3D printing process) As mentioned in the comments of the video, Digital Metal is mass-producing 30 types of parts, totaling 40,000 units per year. These parts are incorporated into products and have already started to circulate in the European market. It can be said that Japan is significantly lagging behind in this regard, as the use of metal 3D printers remains limited to prototyping and mold making. Please watch the video to see for yourself how metal 3D printing is transforming industries.

At Heganas Japan, we conduct seminars on metal 3D printers for businesses and educational institutions. On April 18 and 19, we visited Hakodate National College of Technology to give a lecture on metal 3D printers. In the seminar, we explained the following topics using videos and sample prints: - The mechanisms and differences of various metal 3D printing methods - What metal 3D printers can and cannot do, as well as the challenges - Features of the binder jetting method and examples of its industrial applications - Methods for producing metal powders - Future prospects for metal 3D printers A total of 140 students and faculty members participated in the seminar, and it received positive feedback. The seminars we conduct cover a wide range of topics unique to Heganas, which is involved in everything from metal powder production to 3D printer development. If you are interested in organizing a seminar, please feel free to contact our representative, Miyamoto. 03-6361-2410 (direct) masahiro.miyamoto@hoganas.com

The European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA) elected Ralf Carlström, who oversees Digital Metal, as the EPMA President (2019–2022) at its 2019 General Assembly. The European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA) is an industry organization established in Brussels in 1989 with over 200 member companies, with the mission to: - Promote and develop powder metallurgy (PM) technology in Europe - Represent the European PM industry internationally - Open up the future of PM This time, the president was elected from the new field of 3D printing rather than the traditional PM sector, indicating EPMA's progressiveness and expectations for 3D printing.

The Japanese version of the catalog for Heganas' metal 3D printing powder solution "AMPERPRINT" has been completed. Heganas offers a wide range of products including nickel alloys, cobalt alloys, and iron alloys. ■ Nickel Alloys 738LC, 625, 718, 247LC, NiCrFeMo (HX), Haynes 230, 282, etc. ■ Cobalt Alloys CoCrMo, etc. ■ Iron Alloys 316L, 17-4PH, 15-5PH, FeNiCoMo (18Ni300), FeCrMoSiVCMn (1.2343, 1.2344), etc. Please feel free to inquire about other compositions.

Cetim is a global organization with approximately 1,000 experts that enhances customer competitiveness by providing innovative technologies and advanced manufacturing solutions to over 6,500 companies. In 2017, Cetim installed its printer at its facility in Saint-Étienne and has now decided to introduce a new printer in the city of Cluses. Cluses is a historic region that has produced small and complex parts for the Swiss watch industry, with around 1,000 companies based there, and Cetim focuses on digitalization, lean production, and training support. Comment from Thierry Gautreau of Cetim: "Our customers produce complex, high-quality parts for the automotive, medical, and aerospace industries, and Digital Metal's binder jetting is suitable for complex and fine designs. It also offers the possibility of selecting a wider range of materials compared to 3D printers that melt materials like SLM. It is suitable not only for low-volume production of implants but also for mass production in the thousands due to its excellent speed and the elimination of support removal. The first printer met our expectations, and we look forward to helping enhance our customers' competitiveness once again."

At the MIM 2019 (International Conference on Metal, Ceramics, and Carbides Injection Molding) held in Orlando, Florida from February 25 to 27, Digital Metal will announce two high-temperature application materials that will officially be added to its lineup in the second quarter (by June 2019). Inconel 625 An alloy for high-temperature applications. Widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries. MAR247 A superalloy for high-temperature applications. MAR247 is considered difficult to weld and unsuitable for traditional metal additive manufacturing methods such as laser PBF (also known as SLM), but it can be manufactured using Digital Metal's binder jetting technology. For more details, please contact us. Masahiro Miyamoto Höganäs Japan Co., Ltd. 03-6361-2410 (direct) masahiro.miyamoto@hoganas.com

Recently, Digital Metal received notification of the completion and approval of UL certification testing for the binder jet printer DM P2500. UL (Underwriters Laboratories), established in 1894 and headquartered in the United States, is the world's largest product safety testing and certification organization. Digital Metal's technical team has been working on both UL and CE certifications from the concept stage. Meeting the standards involves all steps of development and design, and consideration of each component and system within the equipment is necessary. Our company spent a significant amount of time to meet these requirements. This not only contributed to the safety of the equipment but also improved the working environment. This UL certification proves that the DM P2500 meets all the standards expected in North America. The DM P2500 is the first metal binder jet printer to receive UL certification. Comments from Ralf Carlström, General Manager of Digital Metal: "The safety of employees and customers is the top priority for all business owners. It is important that the equipment operates properly and fulfills its critical role, and that it is manufactured and installed correctly."

The year 2018 saw a growing interest in Digital Metal's binder jetting 3D printers. As we wrap up the year, we have reached agreements for delivery contracts with major automotive and aerospace manufacturers. In December, a total of three printers will be delivered. The printers will immediately begin operation and be put to use. Please wait for further updates for more details.

Digital Metal® will be exhibiting continuously at TCT2019, the Next Generation Printer Exhibition, held from the end of January to February 2019. During the event, in addition to displaying sample products using binder jetting, we plan to hold seminars and business meetings featuring Ralph Karlström, the General Manager of Digital Metal. We will engage in a wide range of discussions, from exchanging opinions on the latest trends in development and technology to concrete discussions on equipment introduction. *We anticipate that the event will be crowded. Customers wishing to have a meeting are requested to contact us in advance. We look forward to your visit.

Digital Metal(R) will continuously exhibit at TCT2019, the Next Generation Printer Exhibition, held from the end of January to February 2019. During the event, in addition to showcasing sample products using binder jetting, we plan to hold seminars and business meetings featuring Ralph Karlström, the General Manager of Digital Metal. We will broadly accommodate discussions ranging from exchanges of opinions on the latest trends in development and technology to specific discussions on equipment introduction. *It is expected to be crowded on the day. Customers wishing to have a meeting are requested to contact us in advance. We look forward to your visit.

Digital Metal is attracting significant interest in the field of AM (Additive Manufacturing). MTC has decided to introduce Digital Metal metal 3D printers, which will begin operation in August 2018. MTC is a cutting-edge facility established with the support of the UK government, focused on developing and demonstrating manufacturing solutions with advanced equipment and skilled engineers. MTC's Additive Manufacturing Center, NCAM, provides comprehensive AM knowledge from design to shipping. NCAM has taken the next step with the introduction of Digital Metal. The printer offers manufacturing capabilities for the industry, particularly for small, complex, and high-precision parts. Dr. David Brackett of NCAM stated, "Binder jetting is classified as sintering and allows for fast and complex shaping. It offers a wider material selection possibility compared to other AM methods that melt materials." Usama Attia of NCAM remarked, "I am impressed by the speed. The complexity of shapes, level of detail, tolerances, and surface finish are comparable to MIM (Metal Injection Molding)." Ralf Karlström of Digital Metal said, "Testing will begin within a week of delivery. We will conduct training to ensure safe and efficient operation."

The metal binder jetting 3D printing technology, Digital Metal®, which can create complex-shaped metal parts with high surface quality and high dimensional accuracy, has recently surpassed a total of 300,000 produced items. This figure has been achieved over approximately five years since 2013, and its applications have expanded across various fields, including industrial uses, automotive, electronic components, medical and dental, aerospace, and design products. In the form of contract manufacturing, small and complex-shaped parts can be mass-produced without initial investment. We also accommodate small-scale prototypes, so please consider us. At Digital Metal, we are advancing the development of processes and materials based on the rich experience and knowledge we have cultivated so far. Please look forward to future updates.

Digital Metal offers contract manufacturing services using binder jetting metal 3D printers. To date, Digital Metal has produced over 300,000 parts. Through our contract manufacturing services, we have continuously produced and delivered: - Over 30 types of parts - 40,000 parts annually For customers who can prototype but face challenges in mass production, we highly recommend Digital Metal's process, which allows for a quick and simple transition from prototyping to production.