Breakthroughs in Metal 3D Printing Equipment and High-Performance Powder Materials: AVIMETAL AM's Push into the International Market

At the Formnext 2024 exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany, Panda3dp.com conducted an exclusive interview with AVIMETAL AM（中航迈特）, a leading domestic supplier of metal 3D printing equipment and materials. The company shared its latest achievements and technological innovations in the field. Earlier, Panda3dp.com highlighted AVIMETAL AM's significant advancements in equipment development, including the unveiling of the MT800H—an ultra-large-format metal 3D printer with a build volume of 1.5 meters.  

During the interview, Gao Zhengjiang, a senior executive at AVIMETAL AM, provided an in-depth overview of the company’s strategic transformation in metal 3D printing powder materials and equipment, along with its remarkable achievements across various application domains.  

Strategic Transformation: A Comprehensive Ecosystem of Materials, Equipment, and Processes  

Since initiating its strategic shift at the end of 2021, AVIMETAL AM has expanded from its foundation in metal powders to include metal 3D printing equipment and process development, thereby establishing a comprehensive technological ecosystem encompassing materials, equipment, and processes. Mr. Gao emphasized that 3D printing, being a thermal processing technique, requires reliable and stable equipment. Equally essential are continuous innovations in materials and advancements in printing and heat-treatment processes to build a holistic technological framework.  

“Our research and development prioritize reliability and stability in equipment,” stated Mr. Gao, “while integrating them with innovative materials and processes to deliver solutions tailored to high-performance alloy applications.”The company’s commitment to material-equipment integration aims to address global challenges such as cracking and performance optimization in the additive manufacturing of specialty alloys. Over three years of transformation, AVIMETAL AM has made significant progress in material production, particularly for high-performance, crack-prone materials, and has established itself as a trusted partner to renowned global brands.   

New Equipment Unveiled: MT800H and MT400M  

At this year’s exhibition, AVIMETAL AM debuted the MT800H—a large-format metal 3D printer with a build volume of 832×832×1500 mm—and the upgraded MT400M. These cutting-edge machines cater to industries such as aerospace, aviation, and automotive, offering efficient and high-quality solutions for mass production of large-scale industrial components.  

“The MT800H represents a breakthrough in enabling the seamless fabrication of large, complex structures,” Mr. Gao remarked. “Its design is tailored to meet the demands of manufacturing key aerospace and aviation components, while balancing production efficiency and cost management.”  

Both the MT800H and MT400M feature proprietary intelligent control modules, enabling one-click printing, inert gas purging, and part retrieval. These capabilities ensure intelligent, traceable, and controllable printing processes. Mr. Gao added, “With smarter management systems, we aim to enhance operational efficiency and stability, while reducing production costs. Our future equipment will prioritize user experience, catering to diverse customer needs.”  

Innovations in High-Performance Materials  

At Formnext, AVIMETAL AM showcased a range of high-performance metal powder materials, including MT-IN939 (a nickel-based superalloy), MT-X40 (a cobalt-based superalloy), and MT-Ti55531 (a β-type titanium alloy). These materials demonstrate exceptional performance in high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and oxidation resistance, addressing common challenges such as porosity and cracking in additive manufacturing. For instance, MT-IN939 excels in high-temperature environments exceeding 850°C, making it ideal for aerospace engine components, while MT-X40 is a preferred material for gas turbine nozzles, boasting superior resistance to thermal fatigue and wear.  

“Our dedicated R&D team has developed proprietary atomization powder technology to resolve cracking issues during the printing process, ensuring consistent high quality and stability of the powders,” said Mr. Gao. These advancements provide reliable solutions for aerospace, energy, and chemical sectors.  

Breakthroughs in Applications: Footwear Molds, 3C Industries, and Aerospace  

In 2022, AVIMETAL AM introduced the MT400M, designed specifically for cost-effective mass production. Equipped with a domestically sourced optical system, the MT400M reduces production costs while enhancing efficiency. By combining this equipment with low-cost titanium and silicon-aluminum powders, AVIMETAL AM offers comprehensive solutions for the footwear and 3C (computers, communication, and consumer electronics) industries, significantly increasing market installations.  

“We focus on optimizing costs for materials and equipment, accelerating industry applications, and fostering high-quality development within the 3D printing sector,” Mr. Gao confidently stated.  

AVIMETAL AM has also achieved notable progress in traditional injection molding. Since 2018, the company has pioneered the industrialization of micro-fine titanium powder for MIM (metal injection molding) components, producing over 100,000 parts for major engineering projects in China. By leveraging proprietary aluminum powder, binders, and sintering technologies, AVIMETAL AM has successfully fabricated high-density, high-performance aluminum alloy components, offering lightweight, high-strength solutions for advanced aerospace applications.  

Expanding International Markets  

As its technology matures, AVIMETAL AM is actively expanding its presence in international markets. Mr. Gao revealed that the company has established a robust customer base in Europe and North America, positioning itself as a global leader in 3D printing powder materials. Collaborative relationships with internationally renowned brands underscore its market influence.  

“By delivering our integrated solutions, we aim to help international clients achieve greater production efficiency,” Mr. Gao stated. He also emphasized that AVIMETAL AM will continue enhancing its technological capabilities and market competitiveness to meet the growing demands of the global market.  

Conclusion: A Firm Commitment to Innovation  

This interview highlighted AVIMETAL AM’s relentless pursuit of innovation in the metal 3D printing industry. The company’s vision extends beyond its own growth to driving transformative advancements across the sector. As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, AVIMETAL AM is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry, delivering superior solutions to users worldwide.