To accelerate the development of additive manufacturing (AM) and E-PBF (Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion) as an innovative and competitive manufacturing technology for industrial applications, the three parties have entered into a strategic collaboration. Within the collaboration, focus is to develop and improve manufacturing processes and materials to be utilized in industrial applications. By combining expertise, experience, and solutions, the three parties aim to advance the development of additive manufacturing and to transform various industrial sectors towards a more efficient and sustainable manufacturing industry.
Freemelt AB, a pioneer in deep-tech, green-tech solutions whose groundbreaking solutions create new conditions for rapid growth in additive manufacturing, will contribute with know-how, experience, and solutions within E-PBF and especially tungsten material processes.
Sandvik, a leading supplier of high-quality powders, will contribute with its expertise and materials to certify its tungsten powder for use in Freemelt’s printing process. Through this collaboration, Sandvik aims to become the preferred choice of powders for Freemelt’s industrial partners, opening substantial business opportunities.
Mid Sweden University and Sports Tech Research Centre will invest in a Freemelt ONE (open-source research E-PBF machine) from Freemelt and provide resources to accelerate technology to transform the industrial ecosystem. This investment underscores the university’s commitment to being a leading entity in AM education as well as bridging the research community and industrial companies together.
Freemelt CEO Daniel Gidlund comment,
“This collaboration highlights the expertise of the Swedish research and industry in additive manufacturing to maintain leadership in innovative manufacturing capabilities. By combining our expertise with Sandvik’s high-quality powders and Mid Sweden University’s research capabilities, we aim to drive innovation and unlock new opportunities in industrial applications. Tungsten is a focus material for Freemelt in which we have established a strong position for various industrial applications, therefore it’s extra rewarding and valuable to enter into this collaboration with Sandvik who is a leading supplier of tungsten powder. Additionally, this collaboration will strengthen Freemelt’s position in high-performance materials such as tungsten for applications within the energy, defense, semiconductor, and medical equipment segments.”
Thomas Zimmerl, VP product management, tungsten powder products, Powder Solutions, Sandvik, comment,
“We are thrilled to partner with Freemelt and Mid Sweden University to certify our tungsten powders for additive manufacturing. This collaboration not only strengthens our position in the market but also opens new opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Professor Lars-Erik Rännar at Mid Sweden University and Sports Tech Research Centre comment,
“I’m happy to see that our long-term cooperation with Sandvik will continue, and by adding the unique capabilities of Freemelt ONE and the partnership with Freemelt to our existing infrastructure, we are well prepared to address current and future challenges for the industry in the areas of advanced materials and processing. This collaboration is well in line with our ambition to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing technology in co-production with industry and also to provide our students with state-of-the-art infrastructure.”
