Elementum 3D, SLM Solutions Collaborate on Metal Powder Development

SLM Solutions and Elementum 3D are unifying their technology and expertise to push the boundaries of metal powder capabilities and performance. The collaboration is designed to create advanced products for companies that are looking for more than industry standard powders.

This unified approach enables SLM Solutions customers to benefit from its selective laser melting (SLM) systems while gaining access to Elementum 3D’s broad range of high-performance materials and adaptable properties.

The joint effort is designed to meet the 3D printing industry’s ever-growing demand for greater material selection and expand the capabilities of additive manufacturing (AM). The cooperative approach enables application developers to unlock an extension of SLM Solutions' current powder portfolio and discover a new tier of material properties.

While SLM Solutions already offers a variety of standard powders, Elementum 3D produces advanced metals, ceramics and composites. “It's imperative to provide every manufacturer with the option to adopt the disruptive power of additive manufacturing and having the right materials available that will meet their specific needs is the first step,” says Dr. Jacob Nuechterlein, president and founder of Elementum 3D.

Industries such as aerospace, space, automotive and defense have continued to seek out metal AM as a viable option to advance application innovation, the company says. Still, the limited diversity of metal materials, especially aluminum, has traditionally blocked those initiatives. Elementum 3D is working to help companies get over those material hurdles.

Recently, Elementum 3D implemented an SLM280 system to test and define new powder development. “It's great to have partners like Elementum 3D that focuses on meeting the extended needs and desires of our customer base,” says Charlie Grace, chief sales officer at SLM Solutions.

Modernizing AM application development enables users to push and expand what’s possible, the company says. Elementum 3D and SLM Solutions are embracing this mindset through continuous development of industry machines and materials.