Latest from Materials

Aleksandr Matveev | Dreamstime
Thiti Tangjitsangiem | Dreamstime
'Availability of new foundry sand is already becoming a challenge, along with the need of providing new solutions to waste management,” according to the director of a metallurgical research center.
'Availability of new foundry sand is already becoming a challenge, along with the need of providing new solutions to waste management,” according to the director of a metallurgical research center.
'Availability of new foundry sand is already becoming a challenge, along with the need of providing new solutions to waste management,” according to the director of a metallurgical research center.
'Availability of new foundry sand is already becoming a challenge, along with the need of providing new solutions to waste management,” according to the director of a metallurgical research center.
'Availability of new foundry sand is already becoming a challenge, along with the need of providing new solutions to waste management,” according to the director of a metallurgical research center.
Branimir Ritonja | Dreamstime
Automotive cast parts.
Automotive cast parts.
Automotive cast parts.
Automotive cast parts.
Automotive cast parts.
Seesea | Dreamstime
Fire photo
Fire photo
Fire photo
Fire photo
Fire photo
Jacek Sopotnicki | Dreamstime
With deoxidized base iron, carbon levels can be increased to 3.30% C and alloying can be completely or nearly eliminated at the same time.
With deoxidized base iron, carbon levels can be increased to 3.30% C and alloying can be completely or nearly eliminated at the same time.
With deoxidized base iron, carbon levels can be increased to 3.30% C and alloying can be completely or nearly eliminated at the same time.
With deoxidized base iron, carbon levels can be increased to 3.30% C and alloying can be completely or nearly eliminated at the same time.
With deoxidized base iron, carbon levels can be increased to 3.30% C and alloying can be completely or nearly eliminated at the same time.
Simone Neuhold / RHI Magnesita
Many refractory products are custom-developed and manufactured for particular applications, and also usually contaminated with material they have absorbed while lining furnaces or ladles, which makes the recycling process a challenge.
Many refractory products are custom-developed and manufactured for particular applications, and also usually contaminated with material they have absorbed while lining furnaces or ladles, which makes the recycling process a challenge.
Many refractory products are custom-developed and manufactured for particular applications, and also usually contaminated with material they have absorbed while lining furnaces or ladles, which makes the recycling process a challenge.
Many refractory products are custom-developed and manufactured for particular applications, and also usually contaminated with material they have absorbed while lining furnaces or ladles, which makes the recycling process a challenge.
Many refractory products are custom-developed and manufactured for particular applications, and also usually contaminated with material they have absorbed while lining furnaces or ladles, which makes the recycling process a challenge.
Vader Systems
Vader Systems’ MagnetoJet technology melts standard aluminum alloy wire and uses electromagnetic propulsion to deliver droplets of metal, with precision, to form parts “at unprecedented rates and with reduced operational costs in comparison to powder bed processes.”
Vader Systems’ MagnetoJet technology melts standard aluminum alloy wire and uses electromagnetic propulsion to deliver droplets of metal, with precision, to form parts “at unprecedented rates and with reduced operational costs in comparison to powder bed processes.”
Vader Systems’ MagnetoJet technology melts standard aluminum alloy wire and uses electromagnetic propulsion to deliver droplets of metal, with precision, to form parts “at unprecedented rates and with reduced operational costs in comparison to powder bed processes.”
Vader Systems’ MagnetoJet technology melts standard aluminum alloy wire and uses electromagnetic propulsion to deliver droplets of metal, with precision, to form parts “at unprecedented rates and with reduced operational costs in comparison to powder bed processes.”
Vader Systems’ MagnetoJet technology melts standard aluminum alloy wire and uses electromagnetic propulsion to deliver droplets of metal, with precision, to form parts “at unprecedented rates and with reduced operational costs in comparison to powder bed processes.”

New 3D Process Aims to Speed Up Auto Parts Production

Nov. 14, 2017
Becker CAD-CAM-Cast is adopting Vader Systems MagnetoJet technology, to produce dense aluminum parts on demand

A custom designer and manufacturer of aluminum automotive components is the first commercial operation to adopt a metal printing technology. Becker CAD-CAM-Cast Inc., in Wixom, MI, will install the Vader Systems’ Mk1 3D printer, adding it to its range of capabilities for developing and producing prototypes and finished parts for motor sports programs, engine developers, foundries, custom or vintage automotive projects, and automotive manufacturers.

Vader Systems’ patented MagnetoJet technology melts aluminum wire and uses electromagnetic propulsion to produce droplets of molten metal, on demand and with precision. According to the developer, this process “allows parts to be formed at unprecedented rates and with reduced operational costs in comparison to powder bed processes.”

Becker, which has engineering and production capabilities in Steffenberg, Germany as well as in Michigan, already offers laser sintering production, sand printing for molds and cores, low-volume foundry sand casting, and selective laser melting (SLM) production. The new 3D printer will be in operation at the Wixom plant in Q1 2018, and a second system is planned for the German plant later next year.

Vader Systems, of Buffalo, NY, states that its metal 3D printing technology “will make additive manufacturing affordable for an expanded market.” It also claims safety and material-sourcing advantages.

More specifically, because the MagnetoJet technology uses standard aluminum wire, the developer projects that the Mk1 will achieve a 10X decrease in material costs. It will produce dense parts without the need for lengthy post-processing. The present capability involves printing parts with 4043 aluminum wire; 6061 and 7075 aluminum, copper, and bronze alloys are under development, it added.

"An important part of my vision in developing this technology was to impact the automotive industry,” stated Zachary Vader, chief innovation officer and co-founder. “I'm thrilled that a company of Becker's caliber has recognized this potential and is choosing to integrate the Mk1 into their manufacturing process."

According to Michael Becker, CEO, "Vader's printing technology is a game-changer for cost-effective, low-volume production of aluminum components. It aligns with our goal to deliver shorter lead times and higher performance for our customers."