The market for 3D printing in metal is doing well. Although the market is temporarily facing headwinds due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the market is growing briskly over the next decade. During this period, most of the revenue will be generated from the sale of materials. Supplier chains around powders for metal printing are maturing and expanding their portfolios at a rapid pace. In addition, there are several features that the market demands in development and close to realisation.
This reports IDTechEx in its report Metal Additive Manufacturing 2020-2030. In the report, the research firm looks at the current market and players in this market, and presents its expectations for the next decade. In the field of metal powders, the market is developing rapidly. For instance, several metals have provided the first embrace of this material, including titanium, Inconel and various steels.
At the same time, the research firm points out that several traditional metals and properties are not yet available for additive manufacturing. However, several players are working on these materials, with success stories. However, IDTechEx expects a large-scale embrace to take place only in the longer term.
Modules with low elasticity
One of the properties in high demand are modules with an elasticity of less than 50 GPa, while offering high tensile strength. This is relevant for personalised implants in the medical and dental sectors, among others. These applications also require biocompatibility and osseointegration, the process by which the implant grows into the bone. According to IDTechEx, TANIOBIS is the leading player in this field with its AMtrinsic material based on an alloy of tantalum and niobium. The company is currently working towards the certification of its product.
Another player mentioned by name by the research firm is Global Advanced Metals, which is also engaged in additive manufacturing with tantalum. With this, the company is targeting the medical sector, among others, and has already shown some early successes. Finally, IDTechEx points to Z3DLAB, which is working on a modified CP-Ti alloy with an elasticity of less than 35GPa under the brand name ZTi-Med.
Thermal and electrical conductivity
There is also high demand for materials with high thermal and electrical conductivity, including for use in heat exchangers and spark inductors. Several parties have experimented with 3D printing copper. However, this is proving challenging in practice. These include the very limited absorption of laser energy by the material, rapid heat dissipation, high levels of distortion and susceptibility to oxidation.
The research firm points to a number of interesting developments in this area:
- Laser optimisation, involving trials with blue and green lasers.
- Alternatives to SLM methods such as using Electron Beam Melting (EBM) or binding material in a metal.
- The search for a suitable copper-rich alloy offering conductivity of more than 85 IACS. GRCop and CuCrZr are leaders in this field.
High resistance to temperature and wear
In this category, refractory metal is becoming an interesting development. Among others, the development of tungsten-based alloys is promising, according to IDTechEx, as are some of the more exotic high entropy alloys that are rapidly making their way to the market. Producing suitable spherical powders and corresponding print settings for these high melting point alloys. is not straightforward. Use in turbines and custom-made tools, among others, makes the market interesting for players.
In addition to these materials, a growing number of metal alloys optimised for additive manufacturing are available. These include materials with ceramic particles (including Elementum3D and Gamma Alloys), the production of nanocrystalline alloys (such as Voloxint) and amorphous alloys (including Heraeus).
Further information on the report ‘Metal Additive Manufacturing 2020–2030’ can be found here.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
