Senvol Keeps Making Things Easier: Now Introducing Senvol Indexes

Last January, New York startup Senvol made the lives of everyone in the additive manufacturing industry significantly easier with the launch of the Senvol Database, a massive searchable network cataloging additive manufacturing machinery and materials, as well as calculating the costs of additively manufacturing a product vs. using another manufacturing method. A godsend for industrial manufacturers, the database started out by providing comprehensive information and analysis on the most common industrial 3D printers and printing materials – and then it just kept growing. By August, the database contained specifications, prices and other information on over 1,000 printers and materials. In October, Senvol began offering API access, and now the company has announced a new feature that will make the research of additive manufacturing equipment and materials even easier.

This week, the annual Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference is taking place in St. Louis. Senvol, holding court at Booth #47, is using the event to officially launch Senvol Indexes, which they define as “data sets for additive manufacturing material characterization.” Basically, there’s nothing regarding an additive manufacturing material that you can’t look up now – easily and for a reasonable price.

All material data sets include:

• Test specimen properties: the material properties of specific test specimens made on a specific additive manufacturing machine (you can take a look at an example here)
• Process parameters: the values of the process parameters used to achieve those material properties, i.e. build start temperature, software used, orientation of part, etc.
• Feedstock properties

Senvol Indexes really leave no stone unturned. While the specific tests and number of specimens vary for each tested material, the tests generally cover the mechanical, thermal, physical and fatigue properties of each specimen. The tests guarantee complete material traceability, crucial for all industrial additive manufacturing applications, and they ensure that enough specimens and tests are included to provide statistically significant data. All applicable testing strictly adheres to relevant industry standards (such as ASTM) and all tests are performed at certified and accredited facilities. Moreover, the testing is fully objective – Senvol performs all tests independent of input or influence from outside OEMs.

Exactly how many Senvol Indexes currently exist is unclear, but if the company’s history is any indication, the database will continue to grow rapidly. There’s a small fee for purchasing an index; if you’re interested in purchasing a particular material, email Senvol at indexes@senvol.com to inquire about which materials are currently available and the cost of each index. Also feel free to visit Senvol at AMUG; they’ll be happy to see you and answer any questions you may have about this and all of the other services they provide to the additive manufacturing industry. What do you think of their service? Discuss in the Senvol & 3D Printing forum over at 3DPB.com.