Burgmaier introduced case-hardening steel 16MnCr5 to AM, and developed a hybrid-AM process using the SLM^®280.

• Burgmaier pushes the limits for innovative tooling: Introduces case-hardening steel 16MnCr5 and establishing a process for hybrid manufacturing with the highest precision.
• Together, SLM Solutions and Burgmaier are advancing the future of metal part manufacturing and processing at scale.
• The partnership started in 2018 with the SLM^®280 Twin 400, with a second machine to be added soon.

Lübeck, Germany. 30 September 2021. Additive Manufacturing pioneer SLM Solutions and high precision metal parts processor, Burgmaier have been working together for more than three years to redefine what is possible in part processing. The partnership is founded on the technical excellence of both sides coming together to open new possibilities in the tooling industry and hybrid manufacturing.

As the technology leader in metal part processing, Burgmaier actively seeks out innovations to push the industry forward and to create products of the absolute highest quality. With the help of SLM® additive manufacturing technology, they have already improved the efficiency, design, and manufacturing cost of various components, including AM-cutting-tools, manufacturing equipment such as nozzles or claws, and casting molds, all to great success.

Burgmaier pushes the limits for innovative tooling. 16MnCr5—a favorite material for the tooling industry—combines a very hard surface with a ductile core, and various heat treatments can flexibly adjust its characteristics to the customer’s needs. Today, Burgmaier has established a technique of hybrid manufacturing using various steels such as 1.2709 or 16MnCr5: an innovation that allows them to manufacture with the highest precision.

The introduction of case-hardening-steels to AM is a game changer: a new world of hard-wearing designs is now possible—from lightweight tools with flexible cooling channels to resistant and cost-efficient molds. The hybrid-manufacturing process includes an innovative, self-developed system to clamp various base bodies and a standardized approach to manufacture the parts additively in a SLM® 280, enabling single-use and series production with the highest accuracy. Burgmaier achieves a positioning and repeating accuracy of fewer than 0.05 millimeters and a high-quality joint of the base body and the AM part. Despite the challenges of the Covid crisis in 2020, Burgmaier decided to invest in developing both innovations (16MnCr5 and hybrid-AM-process). This kept Burgmaier at the forefront of innovation and gave them a competitive edge on an already leading market position.

“We are a partner-like solution provider for complex challenges with a high-quality standard. Curiosity and precision drive us to develop the right solution with and for our customers. We provide the advantages of additive, subtractive and hybrid manufacturing from a single source.” Ken Krauss, Director Additive Manufacturing Burgmaier.

At the heart of the partnership stands the revolutionary SLM^®280. Its legendary multi-laser, closed-loop powder handling has earned it the informal title of The Dual-laser Trailblazer, a system ideal for medium to high volume metal part production and prototyping. The multi-laser systems can build at an astounding 80% faster rate than a single laser, and the patented bi-directional powder recoating boosts productivity by reducing overall manufacturing time. Material flexibility makes it’s the perfect build companion for several industries, from aviation and aerospace to automotive and energy.

SLM Solutions CEO Sam O’Leary points to Burgmaier’s experience and innovative thinking as a key factor in the success of the partnership. “It’s a partner like that of Burgmaier that is a testament to the deep collaboration necessary to achieve extraordinary new heights of technological advancement. This is not a one-and-done story, but a series of success that we will continue to build upon, together.” A major business case will be presented at the SLM booth at EMO Milano 2021, the world leading trade fair for metalworking: An AM-cutting-tool, all additive and hybrid, lightweight design and innovative cooling channels, ramping up to high series on SLM 280 in the upcoming months.

About Burgmaier

Burgmaier’s innovative capacity has made them a leading manufacturer of high-precision parts. They supply to customers all over the world. 800 employees in development, design, manufacturing, assembling and quality assurance at 250 manufacturing machines on a production area of 31,000 square meters work jointly in pursuit of their credo ‘quality first’.

About SLM Solutions

SLM Solutions is an integrated solutions provider and metal additive manufacturing partner. The company takes a vested interest in customers’ long-term success with metal additive manufacturing. Robust Selective Laser Melting machines optimize fast, reliable and cost-efficient part production. SLM Solutions’ experts work with customers at each stage of the process to provide support which elevates use of the technology and ensures their return on investment is maximized. A publicly traded company, SLM Solutions Group AG is headquartered in Germany, with offices in Canada, China, France, India, Italy, Russia, Singapore and the United States.