Ruselectronics holding, which is part of the state corporation Rostec, is developing the first cathode-beam 3D printer in our country for printing with metal powders.
The principle of operation of this system is the local melting of the powder and its rapid curing. The high powers achieved through the use of an accelerated electron beam make it possible to achieve complete melting even of such refractory metals as tungsten and molybdenum.
There are no mechanical parts in the electron beam moving system, which ensures high speed and accuracy of work. In addition, there is no need for an external high-temperature heating system and the creation of a protective atmosphere in the working chamber.
It is important to note that after complete local melting of the powder, the parts have a very high density, comparable to casting technology. It does not require additional sintering and post-processing operations.
The complex will make it possible to form parts of almost any complexity, including products with a size of only 0,2–0,4 mm. Moreover, such parts will be lighter and stronger than analogues obtained by traditional methods.
As part of Ruselectronics, the development of an advanced 3D printer is carried out by specialists from NPP Thorii. It is expected that a fully functional prototype of the device will be created by the end of 2020.
In the future, the novelty will find the widest application. A 3D cathode-beam printer, for example, will make it possible to produce parts for jet engines of rockets and turbine blades for aircraft engines, individual medical implants, jewelry of complex shape, lightweight elements of architectural structures, etc.
Source: 3dnews.ru