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.

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'."

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 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.

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.

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 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.

Introducing a virtual tour where you can visit Digital Metal. Please click the link in "Related Information." Welcome! We manufacture small, high-precision metal parts. We have produced 100,000 parts over about four years (as of 2017). Let's start from the printing preparation. This time, we are manufacturing a whistle. The whistle is formed with the ball inside as a single piece, requiring no assembly. We confirm that there are no defects in the CAD data, correct for sintering shrinkage, and place it in the print box to slice at 42μm. The printer builds layer by layer. Metal powder is solidified with a binder, and the process of lowering by 42μm is repeated for each layer. It can be formed in the atmosphere without a protective environment, and no support is needed. Next is powder removal. The removed powder is recycled and reused. At this stage, the part takes shape. Next is sintering. Up to this point, the powder is solidified with a binder. The binder is removed, and the metal powder is heated to about 1400°C to sinter the metal particles together. The surface roughness after sintering is 6μm. It can be finished to 3μm with blasting treatment and to 1μm with super finishing. During inspection, dimensions and density are measured. That's the process. Finally, a functional test remains. Now it's your turn!

The cutting-edge Digital Metal binder jetting technology has already produced 300,000 parts. The commercial machine DM P2500 mass-produces 40,000 parts per year. In 2018, it was decided to deliver to companies in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Additionally, a concept for the automation of 3D printers was announced, taking a step into the future. - Most of the process is handled by robots - Robots transport the build box to the printer - Robots carry the box to the powder removal device - Powder is removed using CNC control - Unused metal powder is recycled without degradation - Pick-and-place robots place parts onto plates - Robots transport the plates to the debinding and sintering furnace Ralph Karlström of Digital Metal states, "Other AM technologies propose a low level of automation, but we will change that. Automation improves productivity and reduces costs. Powder can be automatically recycled without waste and applied to mass production. We are confident in the potential of our technology. It is not only fast and cost-effective but also capable of complex and detailed designs with a wide range of materials." Next exhibition: 1/30-2/1/2019 TCT (Tokyo), 2/6-8 Next Generation Printer Exhibition (Tokyo)

The comparison test conducted by CETIM, the French national research organization, on Digital Metal's unique binder jetting method and laser beam melting method (LBM, also known as SLM) for metal 3D printers yielded very attractive results. The results indicate that Digital Metal's productivity significantly surpasses that of LBM while also reducing the cost per part. The binder jetting method has the following characteristics compared to the laser beam melting method: - Productivity: 5 times higher - Manufacturing cost: 1/3 - Surface quality: Average surface roughness about 1/3 - Shape: No support needed Verification conditions (Width: 23.3mm, Height: 23.7mm, Weight: 21.7g) You can view an interview with CETIM engineers in the related product "Digital Metal(R) Case Study 2 (Comparison Edition)." Next exhibitions: January 30 - February 1, 2019, TCT (Tokyo), February 6-8, Next Generation Printer Exhibition (Tokyo).