Xihe Additive Unveils High-Performance CuCrNb-42 Copper Alloy Powder Solution with Green Laser 3D Printing

Current Development of CuCrNb 3D Printing

CuCrNb, a copper-based alloy characterized by high strength, high conductivity, and high heat resistance, exhibits excellent thermal conductivity, outstanding resistance to high-temperature creep, and high-temperature strength. It is used in manufacturing components for rocket engines, such as combustion chamber liners and fuel injector panels. In the United States, advancements in 3D printing Cu-Cr-Nb alloys have led to the successful production of GRCop-42 rocket combustion chamber liners, accompanied by a series of relevant tests.

In contrast, Chinese research on using additive manufacturing technology to print Cu-Cr-Nb alloys is still in its infancy, with no reports of Cu-Cr-Nb formed parts or commercial products. This is mainly due to the challenges in preparing Cu-Cr-Nb powder suitable for additive manufacturing and the inability of traditional infrared lasers to ensure high-quality, high-efficiency printing of Cu-Cr-Nb powder.

Xihe Additive(希禾增材)'s CuCrNb 3D Printing Solution:

On July 6, 2024, Xihe Additive(希禾增材) announced that it had collaborated with its material partner, Asia New Materials(亚洲新材), to jointly solve the challenges of Cu-Cr-Nb powder preparation and high-quality, high-efficiency printing. They launched a green laser high-quality, high-efficiency printing solution for CuCrNb-42 alloy powder. Tests showed that the printed test blocks achieved a density of ≥99.5% and exhibited excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Relevant test data will be gradually released to the public.

About Xihe Additive:

Founded in 2023, Xihe Additive(希禾增材) is the first in China to pioneer a green laser-based metal 3D printing solution. The founding team has nearly 18 years of experience in laser and metal 3D printing equipment research and application, pioneering innovative metal 3D printing technologies such as short-wavelength lasers and multi-wavelength laser composites. These technologies provide comprehensive solutions for more efficient and precise printing of highly reflective metal materials, refractory metals, precious metals, and conventional metals. Xihe Additive is dedicated to addressing current pain points in the metal 3D printing industry, such as the narrow material range, low printing efficiency, high costs, and complex post-processing. The company aims to become a global expert in niche markets of metal printing, promoting the large-scale and industrialized application of metal 3D printing technology.

In March 2024, Xihe Additive launched its green laser metal 3D printer XH-M350G, with a net forming size of 350*350*500mm. It is available with single or dual green lasers and can meet most of the current market's printing needs for materials such as pure copper (Cu), copper-chromium-zirconium (CuCrZr), copper-chromium-niobium (CuCrNb), tin bronze (CuSn10), copper-aluminum alloys, copper-nickel alloys, tungsten, tantalum, gold, and platinum.

Technical Features of XH-M350G:

1. Independently developed single-mode continuous green fiber laser

   - Available in multiple power options (500W/750W/1000W)

   - Single/dual laser options to improve printing efficiency

2. Upper powder feeding supports single or double-direction powder spreading, with optional semi/fully automatic powder suction and screening system

3. Larger forming size

   - Net forming size reaches 350*350*500mm

4. Deeply customized optical path system with smaller spot size

   - Spot size controllable between 40-60um

5. Wider material coverage

   - Covers more material systems, including copper, precious metals, and refractory metals, in addition to conventional materials

6. Highly open-source software

   - Equipment and process control software supports high levels of openness

7. Equipped with a permanent filter

   - Ensures long-term use of the filter, with a simple detachable structure

   - Innovative design of the atmosphere circulation system significantly reduces gas consumption during gas cleaning and printing processes, lowering usage costs

8. Modular design

   - Facilitates easy maintenance and management of equipment

   - Simplifies transportation, installation, and operation

Xihe Additive's 3D Printed Copper Parts Exhibited at TCT:

Green laser metal 3D printing technology is rapidly becoming the best solution for niche markets such as copper-based materials, refractory metals, and precious metals. Xihe Additive aspires to foster the comprehensive, rapid, and healthy development of the metal additive manufacturing industry.