Cobalt-chrome 3D printing
3D printing with cobalt chrome is widely used in two completely different areas. First of all, this is dentistry, where cobalt chrome alloys have been used for a long time to make crowns and dental bridges. Secondly, it is the aviation industry, because cobalt-chromium alloys also have high strength and heat-resistant characteristics.
Cobalt-chrome alloys are well welded so they are widely used in 3D metal printing.
Application of cobalt-chromium in 3D printing for dentistry
The main difficulties in the classic manufacture of cobalt-chromium products for dentistry are thermal leashes during casting and the complexity of the multi-stage process.
3D printing with cobalt-chrome allows you to get more accurate and high-quality products right at the first stage of production. 3D printing with cobalt-chrome alloys allows you to organize fully digital production of dental crowns and bridges.
You can get the finished product, in the case of the frame, or the product fo further coating directly from the digital model. The printed product does not require additional fit on the impression, it can be immediately installed to the patient with minimal fit during installation.
Thus, the manufacturing time of dental products using 3D printing with cobalt-chrome alloys can reduce the manufacturing time to 1 day or less if there is a 3D metal printer installed in the clinic.
3D printing of cobalt-chrome for aviation
Cobalt-chrome alloys have high strength, heat and wear resistance, so products printed from cobalt-chrome can be met inside aircraft engines. Cobalt-chromium is used for making injectors, swirlers and other parts of the burining chamber and output turbines.
Advantages of 3D printing with cobalt-chrome
Cobalt-chrome alloys are very viscous and difficult to machine. When machining cobalt-chrome high wear of the cutting tool is observed, which complicates the production process. Manufacturing of thin-walled products made of cobalt-chromium by milling is almost impossible due to the high load cutting tool.
Foundry of cobalt-chromium products needs alloying additives, for example, molybdenum is added to the alloy for better fluidity. This can affect the physical properties of the alloy and its biocompatibility.
3D printing with cobalt-chrome allows using of pure alloys without the addition of other elements. This improves the quality of the resulting parts and expands the application of this alloy. Endoprostheses printed on a 3D printer from cobalt-chromium have better survivability and a lower degree of rejection than cast products, because they have a cleaner chemical composition of the alloy. Prostheses made by 3D printing from cobalt-chromium can have a developed surface structure for better fusion with bone tissue.
Due to the use of additive technologies, it is possible to reduce the weight of the final product made of cobalt-chromium several times. Weight is important not only in the aviation industry, where every gram translates into additional fuel costs but also in the medical field. Lighter endoprostheses printed on a 3D printer made of cobalt-chromium improve the quality of life of the patient. Light printed endoprosthesis made of cobalt-chrome does not change the facial features and fits better to the patient's bone tissues.
Order 3D printing from cobalt-chrome
You can order 3D metal printing from cobalt-chromium at the 3dlam centre of additive technologies (CAT) in Saint Petersburg.