SLM Solutions and Swerea Collaborate with Partner Organizations on Metal 3D Printing Project

SLM Solutions is a leading provider of metal additive manufacturing technology, and now it, along with Swedish research company Swerea IVF, is embarking on a new industrial project that will involve 10 companies and research institutions. The first-of-its-kind project will focus on the development of a new production line for metal additive manufacturing, particularly selective laser melting. The goal is to shorten the time to market of new products and further improve competitiveness. The organizations that are part of the project will work along the entire value chain and also deal with environmental and health topics.

Swerea IVF will be increasing its production capacity with an SLM 280 2.0, which has a build volume of 280 x 280 x 365 mm and utilizes a patented multi-beam technology with up to two times 700 W laser performance. The machine’s bi-directional powder coating contributes to shortening production time of individually manufactured metal components.

“Additive manufacturing is a rapidly growing area,” said Mats Lundin, CEO of Swerea IVF. “We are looking forward to setting up this production line together with a strong partner, SLM Solutions Group AG, and contributing to the industrialization of additive manufacturing in Sweden in this way. In addition, this will also make it possible for our partner to test and implement its thoughts and ideas together with our experts in this area.”

The participants in the project come from a wide variety of areas, including plant construction, sheet metal forming, air filtration, metal powder production, surface technology, product development and simulation, plus research institutions. The following organizations will be participating in the project:

• Curtiss-Wright Corporation
• EDR&Medeso AB
• Höganäs AB
• University West Trollhättan
• Nederman Holding AB
• Quintus Technologies AB
• Ringhals AB
• SLM Solutions Group AG
• Swerea IVF
• Volvo Trucks

[Image: SLM Solutions]

“SLM Solutions is always interested in supporting innovative projects actively in the field of additive manufacturing,” said Jens Oldenburg, SLM Solutions Regional Sales Manager for Northern Europe. “We are contributing our specialist knowledge and experience in developing and implementing machines for metal-based manufacturing technology in this joint industry project. We expect that this project will provide an excellent platform to develop a production line jointly, in that basic questions will be addressed and the expertise of those involved in the project combined.”

Swerea IVF is part of the Swerea Group, a research group for industrial renewal and sustainable development. The company works both nationally and internationally with scientific institutions, industry and society. Swerea’s goal is to create competitive industry advantages along with more innovation and profitability in a sustainable society with applied research. The company provides research results in the fields of materials science, manufacturing technology and product development.

“Bringing together such a large industrial group and creating a strong platform for the development of new and innovative solutions is absolutely unique,” said Seyed Hosseini, Group Manager for Additive Manufacturing at Swerea IVF. “Thanks to this collaboration, we can work together with all our partners to take the next step in additive manufacturing. We are looking forward to long-term collaboration.”

Discuss this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts below.