Mantle has announced the release of 420 Stainless Steel for its TrueShape 3D printing Technology, designed for precision tooling. This new material will be compatible with the company’s P-200 printer without the need for any additional hardware modifications, and is set to be available in the second half of 2024 following a simple over-the-air software update.
TrueShape 3D technology combines fused deposition modeling and CNC machining to facilitate rapid toolmaking with minimal or no post-processing required. The process begins with the application of metal paste in layers, followed by intermittent drying and CNC steps to build the tool’s shape. The final step involves transferring the tool to an oven for sintering.
Customer demand prompted Mantle to pursue the development of this new material, which will offer similar hardness to H13 steel while providing superior corrosion resistance. This advancement is particularly advantageous for customers operating in corrosive environments, such as manufacturing facilities in tropical climates like Florida, Puerto Rico, and Central America.
The availability of stainless steel is especially beneficial for applications involving conformal cooling channels, which are made possible by additive manufacturing technologies and offer more efficient cooling than traditional linear channels. Corrosion risks associated with these channels can be mitigated by using stainless steel, ensuring longevity and optimal performance in molding processes.
At NPE 2024, Mantle plans to showcase examples of steel tooling created with TrueShape 3D technology, along with the metal paste used in the initial stages of production. This demonstration will highlight the transformation from a mixture of metal particles, adhesive, and solvent to a solid stainless-steel tool ready for industrial injection molding.
By introducing 420 Stainless Steel for TrueShape 3D printing, Mantle is addressing the evolving needs of the industry while providing innovative solutions to enhance tooling processes for manufacturers worldwide. This development signifies a significant advancement in additive manufacturing technology and sets a new standard for precision toolmaking in the future.
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