How Fraunhofer IFAM used Tritone's MoldJet technology to develop Inconel 713C

Linking research and industry
Fraunhofer IFAM in Dresden, one of Europe's leading institutes in the field of powder metallurgy, has a long-standing focus on the development of materials and production technologies for energy, mobility and healthcare. As part of a strategic partnership with Tritone Technologies, the institute has tested and evaluated the possibilities of metal 3D printing using MoldJet technology.

Challenge
Metal additive manufacturing offers enormous potential for rapid prototype development and production of final parts. However, universities and research centres often face the constraints of closed material platforms, challenging post-processing and high operating costs. The goal of Fraunhofer IFAM was to validate a technology that would allow flexible work with a wide range of metal powders, ensure high quality "green parts" and enable complete control of the production process right through to final sintering.

Solutions
As a beta tester of MoldJet technology, the institute used Tritone DOMINANT. New paste systems were developed that are compatible with all sinterable metal powders - from stainless and tool steels, to titanium and copper alloys, to high temperature and nickel alloys. A key outcome of the project was the development of a new alloy, Inconel 713C, designed for applications in extremely harsh operating conditions.

At the same time, Fraunhofer IFAM set up the complete process chain: from material preparation, geometry design and printing, through process optimization to sintering the parts to a density of >99%. Thanks to its ability to produce mechanically stable "green parts", MoldJet technology enabled safe handling and minimized the risk of deformations or cracks during processing.

Results and benefits

• Successful development and validation of a new alloy, Inconel 713C
• Ability to process a wide range of metals and ceramics
• Parts density exceeding 99% and high dimensional accuracy
• Efficient integration from material development to final production
• Confirmation of MoldJet technology industrial readiness

Conclusion
The collaboration between Fraunhofer IFAM and Tritone Technologies shows that open material platforms combined with robust manufacturing technology can accelerate the development of new alloys, reduce prototyping costs and speed up the transfer of innovations from the lab to industrial practice.