Production of super hardened steel by 3D printing technology

The high corrosion and rust resistant steel production process, withstand temperatures of 750 degrees Celsius is shortened, because it is “printed” literally by 3D printing technology.

VBN Components company, based in Uppsala city, 70km north of Sweden’s capital Stockholm, “printed” a kind of superhard steel called Vibenite 480. This company has spent many years researching to find ways production of alloy containing cacbua with 3D printing technology.

High heat resistance, diversity in shape

This type of steel is highly resistant to corrosion and rust while being able to withstand temperatures up to 7500C. In addition to the superior durability compared to conventional steel, the Vibenite 480 steel production process is shortened by time because it is “printed” literally by 3D printing technology.

To achieve the above durability, VBN Components has taken advantage of the durability of metal powders and heat-resistant properties of cement carbides.

“We pursue 3D printing technology. When you have this technology in hand, you don’t need steel rolling and steel pressing. You also don’t need to care about steel processing. In the meantime, you absolutely can continue to create many high quality alloys with many materials that possess superior properties. That’s exactly what we did, constantly creating many different types of alloys. Because you only need to have the right powder and 3D printer then you can force them and “chill” them,” explains by Ulrik Beste, chief technology officer and co-founder of VBN components.

Specifically, the new type of steel contains about 65% of the carbides. This element makes it more durable than other conventional hard metals. Thus, it is suitable to be used as raw materials to produce complex details. According to VBN company, their Vibenite 480 steel can be used to replace traditional steel with more geometric diversity.

Shorten production time, reduce cost

The company also said that the success of using non-traditional technology is that 3D printing opens up the future for steel production without the need for three processes of steel production including: creating molten steel lines, casting supplies and rolling steel. This not only saves costs, but also reduces labor risks and environmental protection by more than 90% compared to traditional production methods.

“This technology will change the entire steel production process today. This is really a turning point of production technology. Of course this does not mean that you can cast any block of steel of any size you desire, but what we are approaching will change your perspective on metal.” Mr. Ulrik Best said.

“We are laying the foundation for new applications, including new drawings, new designs and new materials. Of course, designers must also research new knowledge in this industry to fully understand its potential, ” added Ulrik Best.

In particular, this new material is well-suited for applications that require non-corrosive metals, and withstand high temperatures such as tools used in hot pressing, molding, and carpentry. Production of rock drills is another application where Vibenite 480 steel can have martial arts soil.

This is not the first time this Swedish company has expressed its ambition to produce ultra-durable steel. In 2017, VBN Components launched the steel named Vibenite 290. It is the hardest and most resistant to corrosion and high temperature steel at that time.

Productivity and Quality Office