The Poudr'Innov platform's latest acquisition is a 3D metal printing machine manufactured by Prodways. The machine is designed for the manufacture of metal parts by powder bed laser fusion. It can manufacture parts with a build volume of 275 x 275 x 320 sq. mm. With the new machine, Poudr'Innov now has a broad range of powder metallurgy equipment: MIM (metal injection molding), hot isostatic pressing, spark plasma sintering, uniaxial compaction, and metal, polymer, and ceramic 3D printing. The platform also possesses the advanced characterization capabilities associated with these methods via the Nanocharacterization Platform.

Liten is drawing on its world-class know-how in 3D printing to support its partner Prodways in developing not only the technology, but also qualifying emblematic materials like nickel, stainless steel, and aluminum alloys. The initial results—obtained on a crucial material, 316L stainless steel—are very encouraging. The new machine was able to manufacture dense parts (>99%) offering better-than-expected mechanical performance using the material.

The new machine will be used to investigate materials for all applications. The research rounds out work conducted by List and Liten at the Additive Factory Hub in Saclay, which brings together academic research labs and industrial R&D professionals to develop and integrate additive manufacturing into industrial processes.