Page 12 - 3D Metal Printing Spring 2018

3D Tech Update
World Premier: 3D-Printed Brake Calipers by Bugatti
French automaker Bugatti recent- ly created a fully func-
tional 3D-printed titanium brake caliper modeled after the alu- minum alloy
caliper on this Chiron.
French automaker Bugatti has used a 3D printer to produce a brake caliper, creating what reported-
ly is the largest, fully functional 3D-print-
ed titanium object in the world.
Titanium is stronger and lighter
than the previously used alu-
minum alloy, resulting in a
4.4-lb. weight reduction per
unit.
Bugatti says it used a new high-performance 3D
printer at the German company, Laser Zentrum, where lasers deposited tita-
nium powder layer by layer before the part under- went heattreatment for strengthening. While 3D- printed calipers may work for low-volume sports cars such as the Chiron, their inclusion in high-vol- ume models isn’t yet practical, considering it took Bugatti about 45 hr. to print the calipers shown here.
“It was a very moving moment for the team when we held in our hands our first titanium brake caliper from the 3D printer,” says Frank Götzke, head of research and development at Bugatti. “Technically, this is an extremely impressive brake caliper. It also looks great.”
Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.: www.bugatti.com
System Safely Filters Metallic and Nonmetallic Powders for AM and Welding
Inert Corp., Amesbury, MA, maker of hermetically sealed sys-
tems for air, moisture and gas-sensitive processes, has developed a line of powder- filtration systems designed
for AM and other industries that require collection and disposal of particles and particulate that may be reactive, corrosive, or otherwise require special handling considerations. Inert’s PF-1, PF-2 and PF-
3 powder-filtration sys- tems integrate into Pow- derShield enclosures or sell separately for retro- fitting into existing sys- tems.
Safety features include a quad HEPA filter cluster to
collect reactive powders, water passiva- tion of particulate, isolation valves, and an electrically grounded design that pre- vents static electricity buildup or poten- tial ignition of particles. Other features include an easily accessible lockable cabinet, stainless-steel piping, 60-cfm blower, and Magnehelic gauge to dis- play pressure and indicate when to replace the filter.
The powder-filtration systems
are compact and come in a variety
of models tailored to the differ- ent needs of users. PF-1 is for removing soot created as a byproduct of laser welding or with 3D printers. PF-2 has a high- er maximum flow rate for larger industrial AM processes. PF-3
contains a ceramic filter for use with higher temperatures.
Inert Corp.: www.inerttechnology.com
10 | 3D METAL PRINTING • SPRING 2018
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