BASF 316L 3D printing

[Hephaestus]

https://www.basf.com/global/en/who-...ions-gmbh/metal-solutions/Ultrafuse_316L.html

https://www.fabbaloo.com/blog/2019/7/24/basf-launches-steel-filament-ultrafuse-316l

As FFF 3D printers are typically used to print thermoplastics, I must describe what’s going on here. The new Ultrafuse 316L is a composite material, made from a combination of fine 316L steel powder and a polymer binder. The material is produced in either 1.75mm or 2.85mm filaments that can easily be 3D printed on FFF equipment, as the binder softens, allowing the material to flow through the nozzle for deposition.

What you end up with is a “green part” that is part steel powder and part polymer, which is holding it together. There must then be post-processing steps in which the binder is removed and the remaining metal particles are sintered together. Typically this is done in a furnace.

Wonder what the sintering involves beyond a furnace - argon shielding gas?

273$/250g was the only spool I could find for sale anywhere.