Debunking 7 myths
of AM materials
Our new series of video shorts that addresses and debunks some of the common myths and misperceptions around materials and processes used in metal additive manufacturing.
Surface roughness
MYTH
Roughness and waviness are not related in surface finish.
FACT
Optical filtration is the best method for accurately applying filters to separate the roughness from the waviness in the additive surface.
Multiple alloys
MYTH
You can use multiple alloys in the powder-bed fusion process.
FACT
Users rely on reusing the powder after each build. If multiple alloys are used in one build you will not be able to separate them for the next build.
Stress relief
MYTH
Additive parts do not require a stress relief heat treatment.
FACT
Heat treatment cycles are very important to get the right final material properties required for the components.
Hot Isostatic pressing (HIP)
MYTH
A HIP process is required for all additive parts.
FACT
HIP is not required to obtain good material properties, reliable density and quality parts.
Aluminum & EBM
MYTH
Aluminum cannot be used in the EBM vacuumed environment.
FACT
You can reduce the remelting to keep the powder from its vapor phase by adjusting the parameters.
Weldability
MYTH
Alloys need to be traditionally weldable to be used in additive.
FACT
In laser powder-bed fusion the process variables are similar to that of welding but at a much smaller scale, which makes it much easier to manage.
Binder
MYTH
Any kind of binder system can be used in the binder jet process.
FACT
Choosing the right binder that allows for robust green strength is key. Sintering will eliminate any organic properties within the component to get a fully dense part.
Advanced Plasma Atomization (APA™) process
AP&C’s proprietary Advanced Plasma Atomization (APA™) powders are adapted for all additive manufacturing technologies — from R&D to large-scale production, offering superior flowability, purity and density with an exceptionally low level of porosity. The high quality of our powders allows for precise printing and batch-to-batch consistency.
Powder portfolio
Our full powders portfolio was carefully developed and tested to seamlessly fit into the entire GE Additive ecosystem. Combined with our proven parameters, they competitively offer performance, quality and safety when used in our machine solutions.
