Above: Desktop Metal Pure Copper Helical Heat Exchanger/Image Source: Desktop Metal/Twitter
Desktop Metal, a leader in mass production and turnkey additive manufacturing solutions, announced the launch of pure copper 3D printing material for the Studio SystemTM, an office-friendly metal 3D printing system for low volume production.
With its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, copper is considered an ideal material for transferring heat or electricity and is used in virtually every electronic device made, as well as in many of the heat exchangers used across a variety of industries, including oil and gas, automotive, and consumer products.
PURE COPPER 3D PRINTING MATERIAL
A key benefit for Desktop Metal customers is that the copper material used with the Studio System is pure copper. Unlike laser-based processes, which often print chromium zirconium copper, the Studio System’s proprietary Bound Metal DepositionTM process is able to print pure copper, unlocking the full benefits of the material.
Commenting on the copper 3D printing material, Jonah Myerberg, CTO and co-founder of Desktop Metal said, “Known for its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, copper is a highly desired material for a variety of industries and applications, such as heat exchangers and electrical components for heavy industries to consumer products. Whether for heat sinks, electrical motor and power grid components, or resistance welding electrodes, 3D printed copper on the Studio System is an ideal choice for manufacturing parts featuring complex geometries.”
EARLY CUSTOMER APPLICATIONS
1. Manufacturing: Electrode Holder
Above: Desktop Metal Pure Copper Electrode holders/Image Source: Desktop Metal/Twitter
Electrode holders are used to hold electrodes in position during resistive nut welding. Printed in copper, the part features internal conformal cooling channels to improve temperature regulation. Electrodes are consumable and need to be replaced quickly and affordably when they wear out to keep the manufacturing line up and running. Using copper 3D printing material in combination with conformal cooling channels helps to pull heat off the electrode and the electrode holder to better regulate the temperature, leading to a better weld and a longer part lifetime.
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2. Chemical Processing: Helical Heat Exchanger
Helical heat exchangers are used to cool a hot gas as it flows through a pipe. The Studio System allows for the heat exchanger to be printed with an internal helical channel that enables cooling fluid to flow through it. The complex geometry of that channel can only be made with additive manufacturing.
For more customer applications, visit the official Desktop Metal website
The availability of copper 3D printing material for the Studio System is another announcement that follows Desktop Metal’s recent signing of a definitive business combination agreement with Trine Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: TRNE), to accelerate its go-to-market efforts and further drive its relentless efforts in advanced R&D.
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