Markforged Launches H13 Tool Steel for Metal X 3D Printer
Markforged has launched H13 tool steel to be used in its Metal X 3D printer, offering manufacturing professionals a lower-cost option for metal 3D printing.
Markforged has launched H13 tool steel for the Metal X, the company’s desktop-sized metal 3D printer. H13 is a hot-work tool steel that retains high strength at elevated temperatures, and is said to exhibit excellent red hardness, resistance to thermal fatigue, high toughness, ductility, abrasion resistance and through-hardenability.
H13 enables 3D printing of parts with unique and complex geometries, something that traditionally would be very expensive and difficult to do, the company says. The tool steel is said to enable customers to print parts in high-strength, high-temperature applications such as metal-forming tools, dies and punches, hardened inserts for fixtures and even injection molds with conformal cooling channels. An H13 injection mold with conformal cooling channels would effectively move heat away from the mold cavity and provide uniform cooling, leading to less part-warp, shorter cycle times and higher throughput, and ultimately, lower operational costs.
H13 tool steel—also known as EN 1.2344 and SKD61 in Germany and Japan, respectively—is just the first of several future materials planned for the Metal X, including A2 and D2 tool steel, stainless steel 316L, Inconel and titanium.
Related Content
-
3D Printing Molds With Metal Paste: The Mantle Process Explained (Video)
Metal paste is the starting point for a process using 3D printing, CNC shaping and sintering to deliver precise H13 or P20 steel tooling for plastics injection molding. Peter Zelinski talks through the steps of the process in this video filmed with Mantle equipment.
-
Possibilities From Electroplating 3D Printed Plastic Parts
Adding layers of nickel or copper to 3D printed polymer can impart desired properties such as electrical conductivity, EMI shielding, abrasion resistance and improved strength — approaching and even exceeding 3D printed metal, according to RePliForm.
-
3D Printed Cutting Tool for Large Transmission Part: The Cool Parts Show Bonus
A boring tool that was once 30 kg challenged the performance of the machining center using it. The replacement tool is 11.5 kg, and more efficient as well, thanks to generative design.
