Our solution for your challenge
Nowadays, simple cost effective and resource-efficient production of components with complex geometries is indispensable. This can be achieved by additive manufacturing (3D printing), since it is a fast, efficient and innovative. A wide variety of materials can be used for 3D printing, including polymers, metals, etc. In applications where these materials reach their limits, the strengths of carbon and silicon carbide become clear. Our materials are specialized for applications with:
- High temperatures
- Corrosive media
- Abrasive environments
- High hardness requirements
3D printing with carbon and silicon carbide - anything but ordinary!
SGL Carbon is one of the world's first manufacturers with expertise in highly complex 3D printing using carbon and silicon carbide. As your R&D and manufacturing partner, we want to master your challenges. We do not only offer the production of 3D printed components as prototypes or in small series, but also the supporting digital value chain including 3D CAD/CAM drawings, numerical simulation or targeted optimization of the component topology. Due to our numerous finishing options, for example infiltration with polymers or liquid silicon, components can be manufactured with material properties individually tailored to your needs.
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Components
Whether in special industrial or design applications, you will discover the unique properties of carbon or silicon carbide combined with the design freedom of 3D printing. Our 3D printed components can be found in a wide range of industries including chemical, glass, metallurgy, aerospace, energy, architecture and interior design.
Unlimited application possibilities
Just let your creativity run free, components made of 3D printed carbon or silicon carbide will certainly be also beneficial for you!
3D printed casting cores and casting moulds
Due to the unique material properties of carbon, our 3D printed casting cores and moulds enable a high surface quality and high casting efficiency. The high surface quality results from the low wettability of carbon with liquid metals. Compared to conventional sand cores, an increased casting efficiency is also achieved through the lower thermal mass and higher thermal conductivity of carbon.
3d printed crucibles and charging racks
In high-temperature metallurgy, production tools such as crucibles or charging racks are exposed to extreme conditions. Especially for these applications, we combine the extraordinary material properties of silicon carbide based ceramics (e.g. very good temperature stability) with the design freedom of additive manufacturing. Crucibles or charging racks manufactured by this approach can contribute to an increase in process efficiency in many ways. An optimized geometry allows for example a perfect space utilization in the furnace. The low thermal mass of the crucibles or charging racks helps to reduce energy consumption. Due to the chemical resistance and durability of our materials, the operating costs can be reduced.
3D printed gyroid structures
Gyroid structures are characterized especially by an excellent mechanical stability to weight ratio. The production of these structures can only be realized by additive manufacturing. They are particularly interesting for example for aerospace applications such as heat exchangers or lattice-like support structures. We manufacture such parts based on carbon as well as silicon carbide, enabling our customers to push the boundaries of light weight and high thermal stability in their applications even further.
3D printed static mixers
Due to its abrasion and corrosion resistance, silicon carbide is an ideal material to produce static mixers. To minimize the pressure loss and increase the efficiency of the mixers, their geometry can be optimized by our numerical simulations. The innovative geometries can be produced solely by 3D printing.
3d printed topology optimized components
In topology optimized components, material is only applied in areas where it is required. Whereas conventional manufacturing methods may be limited, 3D printing allows an efficient production of such components. As a result, not only weight but also production costs can be reduced.
Materials
Carbon (CARBOPRINT) or silicon carbide powder (SICAPRINT) is used for 3D printing with binder-jetting technology as raw material.
Advantages of using carbon and silicon carbide:
- Low density & weight
- Chemical resistance
- High thermal stability
- Low thermal expansion
Our finishing options (e.g. heat treatment, infiltration with carbon, polymers or liquid silicon) enable us to tailor the material properties of the end product to your individual requirements.
