The Swedish company Freemelt is working on the development and validation of additive manufacturing of high-purity oxygen-free copper as part of a Vinnova-funded project. In collaboration with Saab Dynamics and Linköping University, Freemelt’s electron beam powder bed fusion (E-PBF) technology will be used to produce materials with exceptionally high purity and controlled microstructure. These materials are particularly suitable for demanding applications in the defense sector.
The project aims to establish additive manufacturing for defense applications that are both efficient and sustainable. A central aspect is the development of shorter and safer supply chains for critical materials. To this end, a demonstrator is being produced that is specially tailored to Saab Dynamics applications. Freemelt is contributing its expertise in E-PBF technology, while Linköping University is contributing materials science research. Saab Dynamics focuses on practical implementation in defense technologies.
Electron beam powder bed fusion enables the local production of advanced materials and is particularly suitable for metals with specific properties such as copper. Oxygen-free copper is valued in numerous high-tech applications, including the defense industry, due to its high thermal and conductivity properties and the precision of its microstructure.
“This collaboration is an exciting step forward in making manufacturing more resilient and sustainable. Freemelt’s advanced E-PBF technology will play a key role in strengthening Sweden’s defense industry to meet future challenges,” says Daniel Gidlund, CEO of Freemelt.
The project demonstrates how innovative manufacturing technologies such as E-PBF can contribute to the development of advanced materials that are both technologically and strategically important.
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