Manufacturing (AR+N2, AR/AR+H2+N2)

The advantages of additive manufacturing with Air Liquide

Global expertise

Gas is a fundamental element present in all phases of production by additive manufacturing:

  • For the production and storage of metal powders,
  • During the manufacture of parts, where there are heating and cooling cycles in controlled atmospheres, for thermal post-treatments, which are necessary to remove residual stresses from metal parts

The best gas solutions for stress relief

During the manufacture of a form by melting metal on a powder bed, each metallic layer is melted, and the metallic materials undergo the effects of a sudden rise in temperature followed by rapid cooling. This causes the accumulation of stresses on the surface of the layers, and a microstructure different from conventional processes. The gases used for heat treatments must be adapted to these new requirements. Thanks to its R&D work, and in partnership with international centers, Air Liquide has developed post-additive manufacturing heat treatment gas solutions.

Security

Additive manufacturing raises a number of challenges in terms of safety: the handling of powders, the technologies used such as laser sources, the implementation of oxygen-free atmospheres and the use of specific gases for heat treatments. post-manufacturing.

The Air Liquide offer

Air Liquide offers tailor-made solutions and services for additive manufacturing and post-production heat treatments. Our offer is based on a recognized experience in metal 3D printing, as a supplier of gases and technologies but also as an end user for our production units.

Gas solutions and gas distribution for heat treatment after additive manufacturing

Thanks to the global knowledge of the additive manufacturing process, Air Liquide offers you gas solutions adapted to the different types of low pressure or atmospheric furnaces, and to overcome new hazards (for example: non-compliant coloring only on part of the parts of a series).

  • High purity nitrogen and argon,
  • antioxidant atmospheres, 
  • Atmospheres suitable for titanium parts.

Air Liquide adapts the mode of gas supply according to changes in your activity, and implements the means to ensure a continuous and secure supply thanks to the remote monitoring of your installations and gas sources.

A tailor-made expert service

Drawing on its experience, Air Liquide supports you every step of the way:

  • Definition of your specifications for gas needs, 
  • Definition and design of network installations and implementation of security barriers, 
  • Gas expertise, audit of your equipment, and adaptation of your gas sources to each type of oven dedicated to additive manufacturing post-treatments, 
  • Training in the use of gases,
  • Analysis, advice, and support for the development of thermochemical surface hardening treatments, if required.

Gases and equipment associated with each technology

Each Additive Manufacturing technology must count with the appropriate gas.