Additive Manufacturing Research (AM Research) has released its latest report, Titanium Powder for Additive Manufacturing in 2024, projecting the market for titanium powders in additive manufacturing (AM) to grow from $214 million in 2023 to $1.4 billion by 2032.

According to the research organisation, the report offers data on market trends, tracking revenues across industries, regions, and printing technologies. 

It also identifies aerospace and medical sectors as key drivers of titanium powder demand, with additional contributions from jewellery and automotive applications.

According to the report, Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) accounts for the largest share of titanium AM applications, with revenues four times higher than those from Directed Energy Deposition (DED) and twelve times larger than Metal Binder Jetting (MBJ). 

The Bound Metal Deposition (BMD) market remains the smallest segment, estimated at half the size of MBJ.

However, the report forecasts MBJ will see notable growth by 2032, potentially closing the gap with DED.

The study highlights several companies active in the titanium AM market, including AP&C, Tekna, Carpenter, Praxair, Sandvik, 6K Additive, and IperionX. 

It also references manufacturing and technology providers such as GE Additive, EOS, Renishaw, Boeing, Safran, and Zimmer Biomet, among others.

The report, structured in two parts, combines market data with written analysis. It covers metrics such as material shipments, revenues by geographic region, and print technology trends. 

Additionally, it explores the role of Titanium Metal Injection Molding (MIM) within the broader titanium AM market.

The full report, including forecasts and industry insights, is available for purchase on the AM Research website. 

A free sample can also be requested.

For more details, visit: Titanium Powder for Additive Manufacturing in 2024.

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Titomic, a global leader in cold spray technology, has been invited to participate in DNV’s prestigious Joint Industry Project (JIP), ProGRAM. 

This research and development initiative aims to establish standardised practices for additive manufacturing in the oil and gas sector, the company said in an ASX announcement. 

According to TItomic, the ProGRAM initiative represents a major opportunity for Titomic to advance the commercialisation of its cold spray technology within an industry that has long struggled with challenges such as corrosion, wear, and part failure. 

The collaboration between Titomic and DNV will focus on setting new standards for manufacturing and repairing equipment using cold spray, streamlining specifications for common parts, materials, and specific use cases.

Initial efforts will target qualification standards for manufacturing structural and machine parts from Alloy 625 and subsea components in low-alloy carbon steel. 

The project will also explore using cold spray technology for repair work, helping to make production processes more efficient and sustainable.

DNV provides testing, certification, and technical advisory services for the energy sector, including oil, gas, and renewables. 

Through its partnership with DNV, Titomic’s cold spray technology is poised to gain broader exposure in the energy industry, solidifying its position as a leader in innovative repair, coating, and additive manufacturing solutions, the company noted. 

By participating in the ProGRAM initiative, Titomic said it aims to accelerate the adoption of cold spray technology, offering the oil and gas sector a more sustainable and effective approach to manufacturing and equipment maintenance.

For more information, visit Titomic’s official website.

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Stockholders of Desktop Metal, Inc have approved a merger agreement allowing the company to be acquired by Nano Dimension Ltd, marking a major milestone in the transaction. 

The merger, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, now only awaits final regulatory approvals.

During a special meeting, 60 per cent of approximately 33 million outstanding Desktop Metal shares voted in favour of the merger. 

Of the total votes cast, over 96 per cent supported the agreement, reflecting strong backing from shareholders.

Ric Fulop, founder and CEO of Desktop Metal, expressed gratitude for the stockholders’ confidence in the merger, emphasizing the strategic benefits of joining forces with Nano Dimension. 

“This industry needs the combination of great products and technologies with a strong balance sheet to become self-sustaining.” 

“The agreement to combine with Nano Dimension is the best offer for stockholders to realise value from their current holdings in Desktop Metal,” Fulop said.

Yoav Stern, CEO of Nano Dimension, highlighted the significance of this approval, stating, “We are another step closer to closing the acquisition of Desktop Metal and building a strong, new leader in the digital manufacturing space.” 

Stern also noted that Nano Dimension is focused on securing the necessary regulatory approvals and advancing post-merger integration plans.

The merger is expected to strengthen the companies’ combined position in the digital manufacturing sector, with further growth anticipated through Nano Dimension’s planned business combination with Markforged.

The final voting results will be submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through a Form 8-K by Desktop Metal.

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Sandvik, a global leader in metal powder technologies, announced the launch of Osprey HWTS 50, an advanced hot-work tool steel powder designed for laser-based Additive Manufacturing (AM). 

This new product is optimised to improve printability and processability, making it highly suitable for a range of applications, including Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), and Metal Injection Molding (MIM).

According to Sandvik, Osprey HWTS 50 addresses common challenges in hot-work applications within general engineering, including reducing the risk of cold cracking during Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) processes. 

The steel is intended for use in high-pressure die casting, injection moulds, and hot forming tools, and its chemical composition is optimised for improved hot hardness at temperatures exceeding 600°C (1,112°F).

The product features a lower carbon content than medium-carbon hot-work tool steels, with adjustments to carbide-forming elements to enhance tempering resistance. 

Sandvik states that Osprey HWTS 50’s high thermal conductivity ensures efficient heat dissipation, which is advantageous for applications such as die casting and forging, where rapid heat removal can speed up production cycles.

Faraz Deirmina, Principal Metallurgist at Sandvik, emphasised the product’s benefits for AM tooling, noting that Osprey HWTS 50 was developed to address fabrication challenges in tools and dies produced using additive manufacturing technologies.

The powder is manufactured using either Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization (VIGA) or Inert Gas Atomization (IGA), resulting in spherical particles that offer good flow characteristics and high packing density. 

Additionally, the powder has low oxygen content and impurity levels, contributing to improved mechanical performance.

Key features of Osprey HWTS 50 include enhanced processability in L-PBF, optimised chemical composition for hot hardness and tempering resistance, and high thermal conductivity. 

The material’s hardness ranges from 40 to 50 HRC, depending on tempering temperature, ensuring durability in high-stress conditions.

Applications for Osprey HWTS 50 include mould making, extrusion dies, hot forging, die casting tooling, plastic moulding, and tool repair. 

The steel is also suited for rebuilding die-casting molds through Direct Energy Deposition (DED).

Sandvik has filed a patent for the composition of Osprey HWTS 50 and highlights that the alloy design reflects the company’s commitment to resource efficiency and sustainability, as the lean composition helps reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

For further details, visit Sandvik’s website.

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Nano Dimension and Markforged Holding Corporation have entered into a definitive agreement under which Nano Dimension will acquire all outstanding shares of Markforged in an all-cash transaction valued at $5.00 per share. 

This acquisition is set to elevate Nano Dimension’s position in the additive manufacturing (AM) sector, making it a major player in the industry with technologies poised for future growth.

Markforged reported revenue of USD 93.8 million in 2023, with gross margins of 47.4 per cent and non-GAAP gross margins of 48.6 per cent. 

In the second quarter of 2024, Markforged’s gross margin increased to 48.3 per cent, with non-GAAP gross margin reaching 51.9 per cent. 

The combined company, including Desktop Metal (which Nano Dimension announced it would acquire in July 2024), is expected to have a solid balance sheet, with a projected cash and marketable securities total of $475 million.

“In combining with Markforged, Nano Dimension is taking bold action in its journey towards becoming a digital manufacturing leader and being a foundational pillar of Industry 4.0,” said Yoav Stern, CEO of Nano Dimension. 

He added, “We believe the combination of Nano Dimension, Desktop Metal, and Markforged further strengthens our unique opportunity in creating value for our shareholders, customers, and employees as we work to deliver profitable growth, exceptional services, and notable career development opportunities.”

The combined revenue from Nano Dimension, Desktop Metal, and Markforged is expected to total $340 million based on fiscal year 2023, with a clear path toward profitability. This consolidation is anticipated to give Nano Dimension a commanding presence in the AM market, as it becomes a trusted partner for clients across various high-growth industries.

“We’re excited to bring together our pioneering, complementary product portfolios.”said Shai Terem, CEO and president of Markforged. 

“[This acquisition] will further enhance our ability to serve our customers in high-growth industries with a more complete offering of highly innovative solutions used on the factory floor. Not only is our product offering unique, but together we will have the scale and balance sheet strength to become an even more trusted partner to our customers, who are leaders across several industries,” he added. 

The acquisition of Markforged is expected to close in the coming months, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

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The Australian Department of Defence has expanded its collaboration with metal additive manufacturing company SPEE3D, purchasing three SPEE3Dcell post-processing units to assist in ongoing military operations supporting Ukraine. 

These units will complement the three WarpSPEE3D metal 3D printers that were acquired last year, enhancing the Australian Defence’s ability to support the maintenance and repair of military equipment for Ukrainian forces, SPEE3D stated in a news release. 

The SPEE3Dcell is designed to machine, heat treat, and test metal parts quickly, providing critical support in battlefield environments. 

The new units, along with the existing WarpSPEE3D printers, offer a comprehensive solution for on-the-ground manufacturing, helping Ukrainian soldiers maintain operational capabilities in the face of challenges such as damaged or worn equipment.

SPEE3D will also be showcasing their full Expeditionary Manufacturing Unit (EMU) at the upcoming Land Forces International Exposition in Melbourne from 11 to 13 September.

The EMU features SPEE3D’s XSPEE3D printer and SPEE3Dcell technology, housed in two mobile 20-foot shipping containers, designed to produce high-quality metal parts near the point of need.

The expo will mark the first time the EMU is displayed in Australia. Kennedy emphasized the importance of showcasing the technology at the Land Forces event, which brings together key defence stakeholders from Australia, the United States, and Europe.

“Land Forces is the premier exposition for defence in Australia, and we are excited to display our Expeditionary Manufacturing Unit (EMU) for the first time at the event,” said Byron Kennedy, CEO of SPEE3D.

The Land Forces International Exposition serves as a vital platform for the Australian Army and defence industries worldwide, providing opportunities for interaction between Defence Force representatives, prime contractors, and technology developers.

Kennedy added, “We are also proud to continue our partnership with Australian Defence, with their purchase of SPEE3Dcells to complement existing WarpSPEE3D printers. Together, they offer a complete solution for military personnel to manufacture and test metal parts in real-time and at the point of need, helping Ukrainian soldiers stay in the fight.”

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Markforged has launched the FX10 Metal Kit, which upgrades the FX10 3D printer to become what it claims as the first industrial model capable of printing both metal filaments and composites with continuous fibre reinforcement.

According to the firm, the FX10 Metal Kit enables users to seamlessly transition between metal and composite printing, addressing a long-standing gap in the 3D printing market. 

According to Shai Terem, CEO of Markforged, “Customers no longer have to choose between a metal and a composite printer. Years of R&D investment and field experience have come together to provide an all-in-one solution for 3D printing to provide immediate return on investment once installed on a factory floor.” 

Terem emphasised that the FX10 enhances the efficiency and productivity of other factory floor equipment, potentially reducing operational disruptions.

Originally launched in November 2023 as a composite-only printer, the FX10 has been well-received for its versatility and performance. 

The addition of the Metal Kit enhances the machine’s functionality, allowing it to print in both metal and composite materials. 

The FX10 Metal Kit includes a new metal-specific print head, material feed tubes, routing back, and dual pre-extruders. 

According to Markforged, the conversion process between metal and composite printing takes approximately 15 minutes.

The company has also introduced a new 316L stainless steel filament, with future plans to support additional metal filaments, including 17-4PH. 

“We designed the FX10 to be a modular platform,” Terem explained. “This allows us to release new innovations and upgrades without customers having to purchase a new printer every year.”

The FX10 Metal Kit features the 2nd Generation Metal FFF engine, which offers faster print speeds compared to previous models. 

Coupled with a print volume twice as large as earlier Markforged metal printers, the new system promises enhanced productivity. 

The metal prints are created using a combination of metal filament and a ceramic release filament, which facilitates easy removal of support structures. 

Post-processing includes washing and sintering with Markforged’s Wash-1 and Sinter-2 solutions, and Eiger, Markforged’s slicer and print management software, automates the process, including scaling parts for shrinkage during sintering.

The FX10 is part of Markforged’s Digital Forge, an additive manufacturing platform designed to integrate seamlessly into existing manufacturing environments. 

The Digital Forge enables users to manage and monitor their printing operations from a centralised location and share parts across their organization.

Markforged will showcase the FX10 Metal Kit at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, Illinois, from 9 to 14 September. 

Attendees can visit booth 432305 to see live demonstrations of the FX10 printing both continuous fiber-reinforced composites and metal.

For more information on the FX10 Metal Kit and Markforged’s suite of 3D printing solutions, visit Markforged’s website.

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Aurora Labs has launched its Australian-designed AL250 3D Metal Printer, now operational at the company’s Perth facility, marking a key milestone in its advanced manufacturing expansion.

According to the ASX-listed company, the AL250 has already produced parts in Inconel 625, a nickel-based superalloy widely used in aerospace, oil and gas, and industrial applications due to its exceptional thermal, corrosion resistance, and fatigue properties. 

The development of a new production printing parameter window tailored to the AL250 sets a baseline for printing parts in this high-performance alloy. 

Initial results have been promising, with the Inconel 625 parts achieving a hardness of 315 HV10 and a density of 8.4 g/cm³.

“The AL250 3D printer is a significant advancement for our industrial printing service and machine-building capabilities,” said Rebekah Letheby, CEO of Aurora Labs. 

“It will meet the increasing demand for specialised materials as we expand our capabilities and scale up production for the Defence industry, reinforcing our commitment to developing machines tailored for practical industrial printing applications.”

The AL250 printer is also serving as a demonstrator unit within the print services facility. 

This strategic move allows Aurora Labs to showcase the full potential of its technology, providing real-world insights into 3D printing applications. 

The hands-on experience gained through this demonstrator unit will help the company better inform potential purchasers about operational parameters and enhance downstream customer support.

Equipped with multiple commercial features, the AL250 is designed to offer a user-friendly and seamless experience. Its compact, easy-to-clean build chamber supports a generous 250 x 250 x 300mm 3D print area, making it ideal for printing intricate, mid-sized geometries. 

This addition is expected to significantly enhance the company’s print services, particularly in the production of micro gas turbines and related parts.

“This strategy allows A3D to showcase the full potential of our printing technology, demonstrating the art of what is possible while gaining valuable insights into real-world 3D printing application,” Letheby noted. 

“By doing so, we can better inform potential purchasers about operational parameters, enhance downstream customer support, and ensure a reliable, high-performing product that meets their needs, thereby boosting customer confidence.”

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Additive Industries and Additive Assurance announced a strategic partnership to integrate in situ process monitoring within Additive Industries’ MetalFab portfolio of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) machines. 

This collaboration aims to leverage the complementary strengths of both companies to advance the monitoring and quality assurance of additively manufactured parts, particularly in high-performance applications, Additive Industries said in a news release. 

Additive Industries, a global leader in metal L-PBF machine manufacturing, has been serving production-oriented customers for over a decade. 

Known for its class-leading automation, scalability, and capability, Additive Industries recently expanded its product lineup with the introduction of the MetalFab 300 Flex. 

This new machine is the only metal printer on the market offering a unique on-demand platform size, providing unprecedented flexibility and accessibility for manufacturers.

Additive Assurance’s AMiRIS system will be integrated into the MetalFab series, providing real-time quality inspection during production. 

This system accelerates the quality validation process, leading to higher production yields and improved consistency of L-PBF manufactured parts. 

The AMiRIS system addresses the quality assurance challenge with state-of-the-art in situ monitoring, enabling manufacturers to detect and resolve quality issues during production, ultimately reducing production cycles and increasing confidence in the final product.

“Our partnership with Additive Assurance aligns perfectly with our commitment to advancing the capabilities of metal additive manufacturing.” 

“By integrating AMiRIS with our MetalFab portfolio, including our new MetalFab 300 Flex, we’re enhancing real-time quality assurance, offering our customers greater flexibility, and setting new standards in production consistency and reliability,” explained Mark Massey, CEO of Additive Industries.

Marten Jurg, CEO of Additive Assurance, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration.

“We are delighted to be working with Additive Industries to add value to their customers’ experience and to push the boundaries of what is possible with L-PBF AM.”

The partnership between Additive Industries and Additive Assurance is expected to drive broader deployment of in situ monitoring for users of the MetalFab portfolio, fostering greater adoption of the increasingly mature L-PBF manufacturing process.

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Metal additive manufacturing SPEE3D has completed its participation in Trident Warrior, the experimental segment of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, held at the Marine Corps Air Station in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. 

SPEE3D deployed its Expeditionary Manufacturing Unit (EMU), a mobile additive manufacturing solution, to produce 11 cast-equivalent metal parts from aluminium and stainless steel. 

These parts will undergo analysis to assess their material properties and suitability for repairing and replacing defence equipment in challenging environments.

RIMPAC, the largest international maritime exercise globally, includes Trident Warrior, which tests cutting-edge technologies like additive manufacturing. 

Engineers from the Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education (CAMRE) utilised SPEE3D’s EMU to print replacement metal parts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. 

The use of SPEE3D’s proprietary cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) technology aimed to demonstrate that additive manufacturing can reduce the delivery time of critical parts from days to hours, providing solutions directly at the point of need.

“SPEE3D is thrilled to be included in RIMPAC, the largest distributed advanced manufacturing demonstration the Department of Defense has ever conducted,” said Byron Kennedy, CEO of SPEE3D. 

He continued, “Additive manufacturing has been a major area of interest for the Department of Defense (DoD), and we share the same goals of training the military and implementing additive manufacturing to produce crucial metal parts at the point of need, supporting modernization and warfighter readiness.”

Lt Col Michael Radigan, a member of the Marine Innovation Unit and the government lead for the CAMRE team at Trident Warrior 24, further explained, “CAMRE facilitates getting the latest in advanced manufacturing into operational settings and finds ways to unlock additional capabilities. SPEE3D worked side-by-side with our joint participants to further research on cold spray additive manufacturing and helped us uncover best practices to apply its unique capabilities in expeditionary environments.” 

SPEE3D’s EMU, designed for expeditionary use, integrates the company’s XSPEE3D metal 3D printer with the SPEE3Dcell post-processing and testing unit. 

This combination enables the production of cast-equivalent metal parts in hours, reducing the cost of disruption and downtime. 

The system, housed in two 20-foot containers, includes a ruggedized mobile metal 3D printer capable of producing high-density metal parts in various materials, alongside a fully-equipped post-processing shop featuring a heat treatment furnace, CNC three-axis mill, tooling, and testing equipment. 

The entire EMU setup can be transported on a single platform, such as a truck trailer, ship, or plane.

The RIMPAC and Trident Warrior exercises involved approximately 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel who trained and operated in and around the Hawaiian Islands.

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