Lightweight because it can be formed hollow from the start!
Nippon Chuzo is further opening up the possibilities
of Invar with 3D printer modeling using 36% nickel 64% iron powder.
Three major features of 3D printer modeling
LEX plays a major role in advanced industries that require precision due
to its low coefficient of thermal expansion
Eliminates the need to design
for thermal expansion
Increased design
flexibility
Increased accuracy
reduces product loss
Stable supply of
high-quality products
Coefficient of thermal expansion
adjusted to customer requirements
Flexible
material design
3DP formed products:
a comparison of the necessary processes with forged products
Comparison of processes with forged products
Reduced cutting volume during machining!
Cutting unnecessary costs!3DP formed products: a comparison
of the necessary processes with forged products
Evolving LEX® 3D printer modeling materials and technologies
Patented cobalt-free low thermal expansion powder
and layered formed products using this powder
By utilizing a 3D printer, we have succeeded in developing a low thermal expansion material with extremely low cobalt content and obtained a patent for it (Patent 6754027). This will contribute to the creation of a sustainable society by lifting the designation of the material as a special chemical substance and reducing risks when procuring resources.
Evaluation of physical properties
of LEX-ZERO®︎ 3D printer modeling material
LEX-ZERO® 3D printer modeling material has been confirmed to have zero expansion at room temperature and low-temperature stability up to liquid nitrogen temperatures (-196°C). Furthermore, mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, and contraction are superior to those of casting materials and close to those of forging materials.
Comparison of LEX-ZERO® modeling material properties by each modeling process
| Process | Average coefficient of thermal expansion ppm/℃ （10〜40℃） |
Low temperature structure stability |
Mechanical properties | Young's modulus GPa |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength N/㎟ |
Elongation ％ |
Contraction % |
||||
| 3DP material | 0.00 | ≦-196℃ @ liquid nitrogen |
474 | 42 | 82 | 130 |
| Casting material | 0.00 | Up to -60°C No change |
372 | 28 | 61 | 121 |
| Forging material | 0.00 | Up to -30℃ No change |
487 | 39 | 75 | 133 |
Frequently asked questions about LEX® 3D printer modeling
QUp to what μm can it provide modeling accuracy?
AIt can provide modeling accuracy of up to 200 μm.
QIs the machinability superior to that of SUS?
AIt is equivalent to SUS304.
QCan surface treatment be applied?
AYes, it can. Surface treatment we have applied includes electroless nickel, black chrome, etc.
QDo you have any track record of using this technology in actual equipment?
AYes, we have used it in semiconductor inspection equipment.
