3D Metalforge Limited has developed the printing parameters for Additive Manufacturing (AM) in Super Duplex Stainless Steel. Super Duplex is a stainless steel alloy that has improved strength over ferritic and austenitic steel grades, ideal for high-strength and anti-corrosion parts. 3D Metalforge sees opportunities for Super Duplex additive manufacturing application in the oil and gas and defence industries, especially for heat exchangers, offshore platforms, chemical processing equipment, boilers, pressure vessels.

Super Duplex steel's microstructure provides very good stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistance, which makes it applicable in situations of elevated temperature or humidity, a characteristic standard austenitic stainless steels do not possess. The development of Super Duplex for AM is significant to 3D Metalforge's continuing commitment to leading the way in the development of new additive manufacturing technologies and materials. The development of the printing parameters for Super Duplex has taken over 6 months due to the difficulty in getting the right mechanical propoerties.

The benefit of being able to print in Super Duplex significantly widens the range of parts that 3D Metalforge can produce, thus widening the customer base. It will also allow 3D Metalforge to explore new custom-engineered solutions and streamlined processes to deliver a faster response and shorter turn-around times that customers need.