University of Sheffield orders industrial 3D printer from Freemelt

3D printer manufacturer Freemelt has received an order from the University of Sheffield for a Freemelt ONE machine to conduct materials research and develop manufacturing processes for 3D-printed tungsten components for fusion power plants.

Tungsten is characterized by high mechanical strength, corrosion resistance and the highest melting point of all elements. These properties predestine it for industrial processes at extreme temperatures, such as those found in fusion energy production. However, the extreme melting temperature of tungsten makes it difficult to produce using traditional methods, which is why 3D printing offers an attractive alternative.

The University of Sheffield is one of the world’s leading institutes in the field of E-PBF (Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion) 3D printing technology. It uses a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment, particularly for the development of new alloys. The Freemelt ONE machine will play a key role in this.

Freemelt CEO Daniel Gidlund comments, “I’m extremely proud that Freemelt now will have the first machine installed at the University of Sheffield. This order marks a milestone and puts Freemelt in the front among the most experienced E-PBF researchers and their material process research and application development for industrial applications within fusion energy. The United Kingdom is one of the leading countries in research of renewable energy and the government is investing to further strengthen this position. As a result, we see an increasing interest in Freemelt’s products as our solutions bring extra value to tungsten applications. It is fantastic that Freemelt now is an important player in the growing British cluster for fusion energy and to be a part of the transformation towards a greener and more sustainable energy industry.”

Professor Iain Todd, from Sheffield University comments,
“With many years of experience in electron beam 3D printing, it’s very exciting for us to be working with a new partner in Freemelt to bring their technology to bear in developing manufacturing solutions for rapidly emerging technologies such as fusion energy. Our longstanding relationship with the Freemelt team is something I very much look forward to continuing in this partnership”.

Freemelt offers a unique product and service offering that supports customers from initial material research and product development through to the seamless transition to industrial series production. With extensive knowledge and experience in process development of materials such as tungsten, titanium and copper, Freemelt aims to develop applications for volume production. This contract marks an important step for Freemelt to establish itself as a key player in the UK’s growing fusion energy cluster and contributes to the transformation towards a greener and more sustainable energy industry.