Freemelt delivers Freemelt ONE 3D printer for materials research to the University of Arizona

The Swedish 3D printing specialist Freemelt has received an order for a Freemelt ONE. The metal 3D printer, which is based on Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (E-PBF) technology, is to be delivered to the University of Arizona in the first quarter of 2025. The order is worth around SEK 4 million (approx. 350,000 euros). The system will be used for research work on high-performance materials such as titanium-zirconium-molybdenum (TZM) and Inconel 718.

“This order from The University of Arizona allows Freemelt to contribute to advanced material development in the defense, aerospace, and semiconductor industries and demonstrates the unique capabilities of our E-PBF technology in highly demanding sectors”, says Daniel Gidlund, CEO Freemelt

These materials play a key role in demanding industries such as aerospace, defense and semiconductor manufacturing. The collaboration with the University of Arizona offers Freemelt the opportunity to demonstrate the performance of its E-PBF technology under real research conditions. Electron beam fusion additive manufacturing allows precise processing of metal powders at high temperatures and under vacuum, which is particularly beneficial for high-temperature alloys and oxide-sensitive materials.

“We are incredibly excited to collaborate with Freemelt and to acquire the Freemelt ONE system. This system is the ideal complement to our existing advanced manufacturing facilities and gives us the unprecedented ability to tailor and fabricate topologically-optimized structures from novel alloys”, says Prof. Sammy Tin, Patrick R. Taylor Endowed Department Leadership Chair and head of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Arizona

With its E-PBF technology, Freemelt is pursuing the goal of advancing material development for industrial applications. The research collaboration with the University of Arizona could help to further optimize additive manufacturing processes for demanding metal alloys and open up new materials for use in high-tech industries.