Nitrogen for Selective Laser Melting

The process of 3D metal printing is gaining increasing acceptance in the market due to new developments and is evolving from prototype construction to a viable alternative for economical small batch production. Inert gas is needed in almost all processes. Today, nitrogen generators offer an affordable and convenient alternative to conventional supply systems.

The process

In selective laser melting, the component to be manufactured from metal powder is built up layer by layer using a laser through micro welding processes. In this way, the desired 3D model is constructed based on the CAD file. Laser beam melting is one of the most well-known 3D printing processes for the production of metallic components. Tool steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, cobalt-chrome, and nickel-based alloys are possible materials for the process. The process takes place under an inert protective gas atmosphere. The inert gas protects the materials by displacing the air gases and prevents oxidation.
Moreover, melt particles and smoke are effectively removed by the gas flow, thus the interior of the component is better protected from contamination. The choice of gas depends on the metal being processed and the quality requirements. Argon is always used with titanium alloys, while for other materials (steel, stainless steel, aluminum), nitrogen can be used as an alternative. This protective gas is not only significantly cheaper, but it can also be produced on-site from the compressed air network at minimal cost and with an uninterrupted supply.

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