Uniformity Labs  

Uniformity Labs has now designed High-Performance Scanning parameters for printing UniFuse™ IN718 60um layer thickness with lasers power at 400W. This achieved a 2.2X faster exposure time and superior, more uniform mechanical properties compared to competitors’ lower layer thickness scan strategies targeting best-in-class mechanical properties. This throughput improvement is typical for UniFuse™ IN718 builds.

The higher tap density and optimized particle size distribution create a highly uniform, denser powder bed, yielding repeatable part builds at the highest throughput. This enables customers utilizing Uniformity powders to produce parts with improved and repeatable mechanical properties, even while printing at significantly higher build rates, utilizing thicker build layers and the more efficient use of the L-PBF lasers.

“With UniFuse™ IN718, we deliver best-in-class mechanical properties, surface finish, printing yield, and part reliability with substantially increased throughput printing at 60um layer thickness,” said Uniformity founder and CEO Adam Hopkins. “This is significant for advancing AM as a viable pillar for industrial manufacturing and shows that our technology and process deliver on the promise of no compromise additive manufacturing.”

Uniformity Labs is addressing the industry challenge of achieving serial production in AM economically by developing and producing its highly advanced ultra-low porosity metal powder feedstock. Currently in production under the product brands UniFuse™ (for L-PBF) and UniJet™ (for binder jetting), and with its High-Performance Scanning strategies, Uniformity Labs has dramatically improved the ability to produce high-quality parts repeatedly and at scale – allowing additive manufacturing to become an increasingly better-established serial production tool.

This announcement follows the recent availability of a range of steel, aluminum, and titanium powders under the brand UniFuse™ for L-PBF and UniJet™ for binder jetting, with many others nearing availability. Datasheets and use cases can be found here.

UniFuse™ IN718 AS PRINTED Mechanical and Density Information

At a glance, mechanical and density properties are listed below:

• 60um layer thickness, 400W
• > 99.95% density, 2.2 times the throughput with comparable properties compared to competitor 40um layer thickness printing
• Ultimate Tensile Strength (R_m z) – 990 ± 15 MPa
• Ultimate Tensile Strength (R_m xy) – 1064 ± 4 MPa
• Yield Strength (R_m z) – 614 ± 12 Mpa
• Yield Strength (R_m xy) – 744 ± 6 MPa
• Fracture Elongation (R_m z) – 36 ± 1.3
• Fracture Elongation (R_m xy) – 30 ± 1.1
• Surface roughness in the z direction no treatment (um) 6.4 ± 0.6

UniFuse™ IN718 HEAT TREATED Mechanical and Density Information

At a glance, mechanical and density properties are listed below:

• 60um layer thickness, 400W
• > 99.95% density, 2.2 times the throughput with superior properties compared to competitor 40um layer thickness printing
• Ultimate Tensile Strength (R_m z) – 1436 ± 5 MPa
• Ultimate Tensile Strength (R_m xy) – 1512 ± 11 MPa
• Yield Strength (R_m z) – 1301 ± 7 Mpa
• Yield Strength (R_m xy) – 1364 ± 10 MPa
• Fracture Elongation (R_m z) – 13.1 ± 1.8
• Fracture Elongation (R_m xy) – 15.3 ± 0.7
• Surface roughness in the z direction (um) 6.4 ± 0.6

Uniformity Labs (Uniformity) announces the availability of its UniFuse™ AlSi10Mg Aluminum powder and optimized parameters for L-PBF printing at 50um and 90um layer thickness. This follows the previously announced release of UniFuse™ AlSi10Mg and optimized parameters for 30um layer thickness printing. UniFuse™ AlSi10Mg powder and processing parameters at each layer thickness are optimized for best-in-class material properties and repeatability simultaneous with the highest throughput printing across L-PBF platforms. The UniFuse™ AlSi10Mg powder and optimized print processes have been used to create parts across various L-PBF platforms at much greater speed and improved properties relative to comparably priced competitor materials.

Uniformity Labs has now designed High-Performance Scanning parameters for printing UniFuse™ AlSi10Mg at 50um and 90um layer thickness in platforms with lasers exhibiting maximum power between 400W and 700W. Uniformity materials and High-Performance Scanning deliver superior properties at an approximately 75% increased build rate compared to competitors' same layer thickness scan strategies. This throughput improvement is typical for UniFuse™ AlSi10Mg builds.

Higher bed and tap densities with particle size distributions optimized for uniform, repeatable printing at the highest throughput enables Uniformity powders to deliver improved mechanical properties and consistent performance across the build bed, even printing at thicker layers with high laser powers.

Uniformity Labs is addressing the industry challenge of achieving serial production in AM with the development and production of its highly advanced ultra-low porosity metal powder feedstock. Currently in production under the product brands UniFuse™ (for L-PBF) and UniJet™ (for binder jetting), and with its High-Performance Scanning strategies, Uniformity Labs has dramatically improved the ability to produce high-quality parts repeatedly and at scale – allowing additive manufacturing to become an increasingly better-established serial production tool.

This announcement follows the recent availability of a range of steel, aluminum, and titanium powders under the brand UniFuse™ for L-PBF and UniJet™ for binder jetting, with many others nearing availability. Datasheets and use cases can be found here.

AlSi10Mg AS Printed Mechanical and Density Information

At a glance, mechanical and density properties are listed below:

• 50um layer thickness, 400W
• > 99.7% density, 1.4 times the throughput with superior properties compared to competitor 60um layer thickness printing
• Ultimate Tensile Strength (R_m z) – 426 ± 8 MPa
• Ultimate Tensile Strength (R_m xy) – 439 ± 4 MPa
• Yield Strength (R_m z) – 242 ± 2 Mpa
• Yield Strength (R_m xy) – 271 ± 4 MPa
• Fracture Elongation (R_m z) – 4.7 ± 0.4%
• Fracture Elongation (R_m xy) – 7.0 ± 0.3%
• Surface roughness in z direction (um) 5.1 ± 1.4
• Click here for the full datasheet

• 90um layer thickness, 400W
• > 99.5% density, with properties most similar to competitor 60um layer thickness printing and far superior to competitor 80um layer thickness printing, with 1.6 times the throughput compared to competitor 60um layer thickness printing
• Ultimate Tensile Strength (R_m z) – 372 ± 13 MPa
• Ultimate Tensile Strength (R_m xy) – 399 ± 5 MPa
• Yield Strength (R_m z) – 238 ± 2 Mpa
• Yield Strength (R_m xy) – 254 ± 2 MPa
• Fracture Elongation (R_m z) – 3.2 ± 0.3%
• Fracture Elongation (R_m xy) – 4.9 ± 0.3%
• Surface roughness in z direction (um) 14 ± 0.7
• Click here for the full datasheet

• 90um layer thickness, 700W
• >99.7% density and 1.8 times the throughput and comparable properties to competitor 700W platform printing at 60um layer thickness.  
• Ultimate Tensile Strength (R_m z) – 401 ± 9 MPa
• Ultimate Tensile Strength (R_m xy) – 420 ± 6 MPa
• Yield Strength (R_m z) – 230 ± 3 Mpa
• Yield Strength (R_m xy) – 247 ± 1 MPa
• Fracture Elongation (R_m z) – 4.4 ± 0.4%
• Fracture Elongation (R_m xy) – 6.8 ± 0.8%
• Surface roughness in z direction (um) 15 ± 0.7
• Click here for the full datasheet

Engineered materials company Uniformity Labs (Uniformity) announces the availability of its UniFuse™ 316L ultra-low porosity stainless steel powder. This high throughput feedstock exhibits best-in-class material properties. The UniFuse™ 316L powder and optimized print processes have been used to create various parts in various industries with great success.

Developed by an in-house team of world-leading materials scientists and 3D printing innovators, Uniformity Labs UniFuse™ 316L 90um 400W Performance mechanical properties are superior in UTS, YS, elongation, and density compared to industry standard lower layer thickness parameter sets. Uniformity Labs UniFuse™ 316L ultra-low porosity powder and High-Performance Scanning (HPS) achieve an approximately 3X faster build time when compared to the competitor’s lower layer thickness scan strategies targeting best-in-class mechanical properties. This throughput improvement is typical for UniFuse™ 316L builds. Compared to similar layer thickness builds, Uniformity Labs UniFuse™ 316L and HPS achieve far superior mechanical properties and build uniformity across the build platform with significantly increased throughput.

Higher bed and tap densities enable Uniformity powders to deliver improved mechanical properties and consistent performance across the build bed, even at high-speed build rates and thicker layer printing.

316L is an austenitic stainless steel that is perfect for demanding environments and applications, such as parts exposed to marine, pharmaceutical, or petrochemical processing, food preparation equipment, medical devices, surgical tooling, and consumer products such as jewelry. It is known for its corrosion resistance, high flexibility, and excellent mechanical properties at extreme temperatures.

“The application of Uniformity 316L 90um stainless steel delivers mechanical excellence for our customers who require materials that perform to the highest standard in extreme conditions,” said Uniformity founder and CEO Adam Hopkins. “Our powders deliver superior mechanical properties, surface finish, printing yield, and part reliability, and allow one machine to do the work of several.”

In addition to materials already available, the Uniformity team is continually developing new materials and processes to make 3D printing accessible to all industries and applications.

SS 316L Mechanical and Density Information

At a glance, mechanical and density properties listed below

• 90um layer thickness
• Up to three times the throughput @ 99.9%+ density (density coupons average 99.95%)
• Ultimate Tensile Strength (R_m z) – 675 ± 7 MPa
• Ultimate Tensile Strength (R_m xy) – 739 ± 7 MPa
• Yield Strength (R_m z) – 528 ± 8 Mpa
• Yield Strength (R_m xy) – 600 ± 7 MPa
• Fracture Elongation (R_m z) – 49.4 ± 2.2 %
• Fracture Elongation (R_m xy) – 53.5 ± 2.7 %
• Surface roughness in z direction (um) 11.2 ± 1.8

Notes:

1)    Properties are given for the laser-melted product printed at 90um layers. Auxiliary operations may influence the displayed properties. Auxiliary operations, e.g., heat treatments or surface modifications by coating processes, bead blasting, etc., performed at Uniformity Labs or the customer will affect mechanical and physical properties.

2)    The indicated density limits are valid for the mean density of a component. For complex and geometrically unfavorable shapes, the local segment density can deviate from these limits, and therefore materials properties may be affected.

3)    Materials properties stated in the table above have been determined on the basis of ASTM E8-21.

4)    All mechanical characteristics are typical mean values valid only for the indicated nominal density level and will vary from printer to printer.

5)    Roughness measurement according to microscopy in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4287.

6. For a complete data sheet, please email: materials@uniformitylabs.com

Engineered materials company Uniformity Labs (Uniformity) announces the availability of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V (UniFuse™ Ti64) powder for L-PBF.  Developed by an in-house team of world-leading materials scientists and 3D printing innovators, Uniformity Labs UniFuse™ Ti64 Grade 23 exhibits best-in-class mechanical performance, surface roughness, and uniformity across the build bed, in parallel with greatly improved throughput. Typical builds deliver an average of 99.96% density in the as-printed state and are 1.5X to 2.0X faster, depending on machine and part geometry, as compared to the same builds performed at the same layer thickness using standard powder and machine parameters.

UniFuse™ Ti64 Grade 23 is an alloy of titanium, aluminum, and vanadium. The material exhibits a high strength-to-weight ratio and is biocompatible, making it ideal for medical and high-performance applications including performance automotive and aerospace.

“The application of Uniformity UniFuse™ Ti64 Grade 23 delivers material properties excellence and repeatability for our customers who require parts that perform to the highest standard in extreme conditions,” said Uniformity founder and CEO Adam Hopkins. “Our powders deliver robust mechanical properties, low surface roughness, and high print yield, in addition to substantially increasing machine throughput.”

The availability of this powder follows the recent announcement of a Uniformity collaboration with AddUp, targeted to maximize the productivity of Uniformity’s UniFuse™ Ti64 Grade 23 ELI alloy using AddUp’s FormUp350 L-PBF printer. This partnership targets regulated healthcare and aerospace production using metal additive manufacturing technologies.

UniFuse™ Ti64 Grade 23 Mechanical and Density Information

At a glance mechanical and density properties listed below (as built / HIPed)

• 60um layer thickness
• Two times the throughput @ 99.9%+ density (average 99.96% /  >99.96%)
• Ultimate Tensile Strength (R_m z) – 1221 ± 9 MPa / 1000 ± 7 MPa
• Ultimate Tensile Strength (R_m xy) – 1245 ± 21 MPa / 1010 ± 6 MPa
• Yield Strength (R_m z) 1083 ± 18 MPa / 896 ± 10 MPa
• Yield Strength (R_m xy) 1077 ± 19 MPa / 924 ± 7 MPa
• Fracture Elongation (R_m z) 8.0 ± 2.0% / 15.0 ± 0.5%
• Fracture Elongation (R_m xy) 8.0 ± 1.0% / 14.0 ± 0.5%
• Surface roughness in z direction (no treatment, um) 11.0 ± 1.0

Notes:

1. Coupon Type: ASTM E8/E8-M Rectangular Tension Test Specimens, Subsize (25mm gauge), no polishing
2. For a complete data sheet, please email: materials@uniformitylabs.com

Uniformity Labs, a producer of engineered materials for advanced manufacturing, announces the availability of its ultra-low porosity UniJet™ 17-4PH stainless steel powder for the Desktop Metal Shop Pro Binder Jetting (BJT) platform, an advanced metal powder that delivers superior material properties, sintered part geometric accuracy, process yield and print uniformity at highest throughput.

Developed by an in-house team of world-leading materials scientists and 3D printing innovators, Uniformity Labs’ ultra-low porosity UniJet™ 17-4 PH powders exhibit a typical Tap Density of 5.33 ± 0.05 g/cm³. In an industry-first, Uniformity Labs provides insight into the geometric uniformity of parts throughout the part production cycle and considering all factors within a typical spread, print, cure, de-powder, and sinter.

A high and highly repeatable Sintered Density of 7.68± 0.03 g/cm³ and in-print brown density deviation of +/- 0.024 g/cm³ delivers uniform sintering shrinkage across the bed. Brown density across prints, batches, and in-spec process and environmental parameters averages 4.49 +/- 0.05g/cm³, delivering at better than 95% confidence levels inclusive of batch-to-batch, spread, print, cure, de-powder, and sinter sources of variation, a highly uniform sintering shrinkage of 15.17% ± 0.65% in the X direction, 15.66% ± 0.65% in the Y direction and 18.18% ± 0.63% in the Z direction. This low and unusually stable shrinkage allows the manufacture via binder jetting of large parts, up to 10s of cms in length.

The process stability reported is enabled by the low cohesion, low porosity powder that repeatably spreads uniformly across the build bed. The high brown densities result in up to 50% reduction in linear shrinkage relative to competitor materials and repeatably deliver 99-100% final part density for best-in-class materials properties. An additional benefit of low shrinkage is increased printer throughput due to greater use of the build volume. The highly flowable powder even further improves throughput by allowing repeatable fast layering, with a net throughput benefit of approximately 50% relative to non-Uniformity powders on comparable platforms, thereby enabling substantial cost reduction to be taken advantage of by parts manufacturers contemplating adoption of metal AM at scale.

Uniformity continues to deliver on its promise of No Compromise Metal AM for the industry.

The benefits of its uniform, ultra-low porosity, high flow materials are not limited to print and sinter steps but also to secondary process steps, including de-powdering and sintered part finishing. The flowability of Uniformity’s low cohesion powders drastically facilitates de-powdering of high aspect ratio and geometrically complex parts with fine features and channels, preventing breakage during the de-powdering process step and enabling binder jetting of more complex, high aspect ratio parts. Furthermore, the unusually low variability in geometric shrinkage reduces the need for costly post-machining, as does the low as-printed surface roughness averaging 4.1um in the XY plane and 8um in the Z planes.

UniJet™ 17-4 PH is martensitic precipitation - hardened stainless steel. It’s known for its corrosion resistance and high strength and hardness levels, especially when heat treated. UniJet™ 17-4 PH can be heat treated to various hardness and toughness levels, allowing users to customize the post-sintering properties of the alloy to suit a wide variety of applications, such as chemical processing, manufacturing machinery, and food processing.

“The application of Uniformity UniJet™ 17-4 PH stainless steel for BJT delivers mechanical and process excellence for our customers who require materials that perform to the highest standard across each step of the production process,” said Uniformity founder and CEO Adam Hopkins. “Our powders deliver superior mechanical properties, surface finish, printing yield, and process stability, allowing one machine to do the work of several.”

In addition to materials that are already available, the Uniformity team is continually working to develop new materials and processes to make 3D printing accessible to all industries and applications.

UniJet™ 17-4 PH Mechanical Information

At a glance, provided below are mechanical properties based on the ASTM E8/E8-M and therein cited norms on binder jet printed and sintered bars with process surface. Properties are dependent on the sintering process and equipment employed. The properties presented here assume a gas-sealed furnace capable of holding at least 400mtorr vacuum and +/- 5C temperature stability sintered under flowing Ar-3%H2 gas with burnout hold and peak temp hold of 2 hours at 1310C. Furnaces capable of superior temperature and process control can yield superior properties relative to those stated below.