The company pro-beam has achieved first successes in 3D printing with copper. In the electron beam melting process EBM, first test specimens and in the meantime also first components were produced from copper powder, as pro-beam announced. The results are to be exhibited at the Formnext trade show in Frankfurt in November.
According to pro-beam, the company’s proprietary RainTec point exposure strategy was used to 3D print copper. This involves stochastically melting individual areas, which allows for controlled heat input and less warpage. After just a few trials, the company says it was able to find a stable process window.
Copper is suitable for 3D printing applications because of its excellent electrical and thermal properties. According to pro-beam Managing Director Thorsten Löwer, the new material opens up possibilities for heat sinks or electronic components, for example.
By integrating copper, pro-beam aims to expand the boundaries of 3D printing. The EBM process is generally characterized by high density and surface quality. Löwer sees a number of new fields of application for customers, for example in electromobility or aerospace.
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