Desktop Metal Qualifies Continuum’s Mar-M247 Recycled Superalloy

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Have you ever wondered what goes into the materials that make up advanced manufacturing technologies? The intersection of innovation and sustainability often brings about groundbreaking developments. One such development is the qualification of Continuum’s Mar-M247 recycled superalloy by Desktop Metal.

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A New Era in Additive Manufacturing

Desktop Metal’s Commitment to Sustainability

Desktop Metal is paving the way in additive manufacturing with a focus on mass production and sustainability. The company recently qualified a 100% recycled nickel-based superalloy called Mar-M247, processed with proprietary technology from Continuum Powders. This is a significant milestone in the realm of recycled materials, emphasizing Desktop Metal’s commitment to eco-conscious manufacturing solutions.

What is Mar-M247?

Mar-M247 is a high-performance superalloy known for its exceptional strength at elevated temperatures, up to around 1000°C. Typically used in environments that demand robust material properties, this alloy finds use in a variety of applications across industries requiring heat resistance and mechanical integrity.

The Significance of Recycled Mar-M247

With a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, the use of recycled materials in manufacturing is more important than ever. Continuum’s Mar-M247 is 100% re-atomized, meaning it is reclaimed and processed to meet, if not exceed, the stringent standards of new materials. This makes it a pioneering step toward sustainable manufacturing without compromising on quality or performance.

The Technical Details

The Role of Continuum Powders

Continuum Powders leads in the realm of high-performance, sustainable metal powders. By providing a recycled version of Mar-M247, Continuum Powders supports a more sustainable supply chain and showcases the potential of re-atomized materials in modern manufacturing technologies.

Qualification Process of Mar-M247

The path to qualifying Mar-M247 for use in Desktop Metal’s binder jet 3D printing involved extensive evaluation and rigorous testing. The goal was to ensure that the recycled superalloy met all the material property requirements of the conventionally produced alloy. The successful qualification speaks volumes about the reliability and performance of recycled materials.

Desktop Metal’s Binder Jet 3D Printing Portfolio

Desktop Metal’s binder jet 3D printing technology is known for its rapid, area-wide manufacturing capabilities. The inclusion of Mar-M247 in this portfolio, which already comprises about 40 metals and ceramics, enhances the versatility and sustainability of their offerings. The qualified Mar-M247 superalloy can now be utilized in Desktop Metal’s X25Pro printer platform, leveraging Triple Advanced Compaction Technology (ACT) for superior results.

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The Broader Impact

Shortened Supply Chains

One of the most compelling benefits of using recycled metal powders like Mar-M247 is the potential for shortened supply chains. By reclaiming and reprocessing materials locally or regionally, manufacturers can reduce their dependence on complex international supply chains, leading to quicker and more reliable production cycles.

Cost Reduction

Reclaimed materials often bring cost advantages along with sustainability benefits. The use of recycled Mar-M247 can lower production costs, making high-performance materials more accessible without sacrificing quality. This cost efficiency can be particularly beneficial in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defense, where material costs constitute a significant part of the manufacturing budget.

Table 1: Benefits of Recycled Mar-M247

Benefit	Description
Shortened Supply Chains	Local or regional reclamation reduces dependence on complex international supply chains.
Cost Reduction	Utilizes cost-effective recycled materials to lower production expenses.
Carbon Footprint Reduction	Supports corporate sustainability goals by reducing environmental impact.

Corporate Sustainability Goals

In today’s world, corporate sustainability goals are not just a matter of compliance but also a driver of innovation. The use of recycled materials like Mar-M247 aligns with the broader goals of reducing carbon footprints and promoting environmental stewardship. Companies adopting these practices are setting new standards in responsible manufacturing.

Industry Adoption and Future Prospects

The qualification of recycled Mar-M247 by Desktop Metal signals a growing acceptance and adoption of reclaimed materials in the additive manufacturing industry. Leading AM OEMs, such as Velo3D and Renishaw, are also moving in this direction, indicating a promising future for sustainable manufacturing practices. This acceptance could pave the way for more recycled materials to be qualified, creating a more resilient and eco-friendly industry.

Behind the Scenes

The People Making It Happen

The successful qualification of Mar-M247 recycled superalloy wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and dedication of leaders at both Desktop Metal and Continuum Powders. Ric Fulop, CEO of Desktop Metal, and Rob Higby, CEO of Continuum Powders, have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, with a shared commitment to sustainable manufacturing solutions.

Ara Partners’ Investment

Continuum Powders is backed by Ara Partners, a private equity firm that specializes in industrial decarbonization investments. Their support underscores the financial viability and strategic importance of sustainable manufacturing innovations. Ara Partners’ involvement highlights an increasing trend where financial investments are aligned with environmental sustainability goals.

What’s Next?

Future Material Qualifications

The successful qualification of Mar-M247 is just the beginning. Desktop Metal, as well as other industry leaders, are likely to continue exploring and qualifying more recycled and sustainable materials. These efforts will contribute to a more sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable supply chain across various industries.

Expansion of Applications

While the initial qualification targets specific high-temperature applications, the properties of Mar-M247 hold promise for broader uses. Continued research and development could enable the application of this superalloy in other demanding environments, further enhancing its utility and impact.

Continuing the Conversation

This milestone opens up new avenues for discussion and collaboration within the additive manufacturing community. As more companies follow suit, the collective knowledge and experience regarding recycled materials will grow, leading to improved processes, standards, and innovations. The conversation around sustainability in manufacturing is just beginning, and Mar-M247 is poised to be a significant part of it.

Conclusion

In an age where sustainability and high performance are both crucial, the qualification of Continuum’s Mar-M247 recycled superalloy by Desktop Metal marks a significant step forward. This achievement illustrates the potential of recycled materials in advanced manufacturing, offering compelling benefits like shortened supply chains, cost reduction, and carbon footprint reduction. As industries continue to embrace such innovations, the future of manufacturing looks not just advanced but also environmentally responsible.

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