Zecotek Partners with the Institute of Chemical Physics in Materials Innovation

Previously this week, Zecotek announced the beginning of testing and refinement of an innovative 3D printer design for high-performance metal alloys in conjunction with LT–PYRKAL. On the heels of this announcement Zecotek has just revealed a further aspect of their ongoing efforts to advance the frontiers of 3D technologies. Zecotek and LT–PYRKAL revealed yesterday the formalization of the industry partnership with the Institute of Chemical Physics.

The Institute of Chemical Physics, like LT–PYRKAL, is located in Armenia. It is part of an intergovernmental organization known as the International Science and Technology Center that brings together scientists from Georgia, Armenia, Russia, and other countries that make up the Commonwealth of Independent States and helps connect them with their peers around the world.

The Institute was founded in the 1960s and is a world leader in the area of chemical physics. Its research history includes extensive investigation into the products and processes of self-propagating high temperature synthesis from natural mineral raw materials. Its addition, therefore, is expected to greatly enhance advancements in the powders for printing to be used with Zecotek’s newest printers. Director of the Institute of Chemical Physics, Dr.Levon A. Tavadyan described the benefits of this trilateral cooperation:

Dr. Levon A. Tavadyan

“The collaboration between Zecotek Display Systems, LT–PYRKAL, and the Institute of Chemical Physics will focus on 3D printing systems and high performance materials applicable in additive manufacturing technologies. We are excited by the opportunity to produce these types of materials for fast 3D printing, and establish with Zecotek, the partnership as a leading supplier of powder metals, alloys and hydride compounds for 3D rapid manufacturing. The new materials will be used in the laser sintering-based 3D printers developed for Zecotek by LT–PYRKAL for prototyping and mass production.”

The newly identified high-performance metal alloy printing methods, developed by Zecotek and LT–PYRKAL, will be greatly assisted by the expertise of the Institute researcher’s. Zecotek Photonics, founded in 2004, has made a name for itself through the commercialization of novel photonic technologies both directly and through joint ventures with companies from Japan to Switzerland. Building on his company’s history of strategic partnerships the Chairman, President, and CEO Dr. A. F. Zerrouk explained the importance of this latest alliance:

“By partnering with industry leaders such as the Institute of Chemical Physics and LT–PYRKAL, Zecotek Display Systems is establishing a solid foundation to become leader in 3D printing as well as powder materials for prototyping and distributed manufacturing. The Institute of Chemical Physics is a leading developer of new materials, a critical factor as traditional industrial production transitions to 3D rapid manufacturing. Not only are we establishing Zecotek as a leader in industrial 3D printing, with this announcement we are positioning our division to become a leader in the supply of new materials to support the industry.”

The development of both the printing machine technology and the new materials are intended to allow companies utilizing rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing to have higher productivity, greater ease in customization, and overall increases in efficiency.  Discuss this partnership in the Zecotek forum thread on 3DPB.com.