Uniformity Labs and Tekna, the world’s leading provider of advanced materials to industry, have expanded their partnership, with Tekna supplying an AlSi10Mg aluminum-based alloy to Uniformity. The alloy will be used to make AlSi10Mg metal 3D printing powder, used with Laser Powder Bed Fusion 3D printing systems.
This project expands the two firms’ collaboration, which began with Ti64 providing a vital North American supply source for Uniformity and enhancing Tekna’s output capacity and efficiency.
The partnership with Tekna demonstrates how advanced technology can improve sustainability for various industries, said Adam Hopkins, founder, and CEO of Uniformity Labs. Hopkins added that the complementary relationship generates an economic benefit for customers, who benefit from increased 3D printer throughput and repeatability, as well as a supply chain security benefit from using materials produced solely in the North American region.
“We are extremely proud that Uniformity Labs has selected us to supply aluminum powders in addition to titanium powders,” said Luc Dionne, CEO of Tekna. “This is a testament to Tekna’s supply reliability and reaffirms that our product quality matches with a wide range of industry requirements.”
Greener, more sustainable materials are made possible by advanced technology
The collaboration allows Tekna to optimize its powder production yield, which Uniformity will employ to create enhanced powders for L-PBF. Uniformity’s technique improves powder production efficiency, allowing for the utilization of more than 95% of the powder compared to competitors’ 50% to 65%, lowering costs and increasing capacity. Tekna says this results in efficiency gains and aids sustainability goals for both additive and traditional manufacturing. Its designed powders and methods allow for faster, more repeatable manufacture of components utilized in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, transportation, energy, defense, and medical, without sacrificing quality.
The Tekna powder atomization method employs hydro-energy, and all operation gases are recycled in closed loops, resulting in greener production. The companies will collaborate to assist industrial clients in producing cleaner, more sustainable parts.
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Featured image shows a Tekna plasma system. Photo via Tekna.