Dec 13, 2018 | By Thomas
Boston-based 3D printer company Markforged announced the launch of H13 tool steel for the desktop-sized Metal X 3D printer. The expansion into H13 will enable customers to print parts in high-strength, high-temperature applications such as metal forming tools, dies and punches, and hardened inserts for fixtures, and even injection molds with conformal cooling channels.
Interior of a hardened nozzle printed out of H13 on the Metal X, showcasing printed threads. Credit: Markforged
H13 is a hot-work tool steel that is widely used in hot work and cold work tooling applications. Because of its excellent combination of high toughness and resistance to therman fatigue cracking, H13 provides better hardenability and better wear resistance than common alloy steels. Because H13 can now be 3D printed, manufacturing professionals can begin to print parts with unique and complex geometries. For example, printing an H13 injection mold that features conformal cooling channels would more effectively move heat away from the mold cavity and provide more uniform cooling, leading to less part-warp, shorter cycle times and higher throughput, and ultimately, lower operational costs.
Exterior of a hardened nozzle printed out of H13, straight out of the sinter, no post-processing. Credit: Markforged
“We designed the Metal X system to change the way things are made, and the launch of H13 is the next step down that path,” said Jon Reilly, Markforged VP of product. “For manufacturers of high-volume plastic parts this is a game changer, significantly accelerating the speed at which they can bring new products to market.”
H13 tool steel, also known as EN 1.2344 and SKD61 in Germany and Japan, respectively, is available beginning December 12, 2018, at 229.99 USD per 1kg spool, and will ship no later than March of 2019.
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
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