Kennametal launches 3D printing business unit

Kennametal’s new 3D printing business unit, Kennametal Additive Manufacturing, is focused on faster development and production of wear-resistant components, such as this prototype solid-carbide drill head for oil and gas applications.

Kennametal Inc. has formed a 3D printing materials and production business unit, Kennametal Additive Manufacturing, as part of its Infrastructure segment. The new business unit, which already is shipping production parts to customers, supplies high-performance metal additive powders and fully finished 3D-printed parts for wear, erosion, corrosion, and high-temperature applications.

“Kennametal Additive Manufacturing combines our recognized expertise in wear materials, such as tungsten carbide and Kennametal Stellite™, with the advantages of 3D printing—design flexibility, shorter development cycles, and reduced lead times,” said Ron Port, vice president of Kennametal Inc. and president of the Infrastructure Business Segment.

The company’s gas atomization powder production capabilities supply cobalt, nickel, and iron powders optimized for specific AM processes. At its R&D, pilot production, and prototyping center in Latrobe, Pa., the business uses laser powder bed and binder jet printing technologies, combined with postprint processing capabilities, including sintering, hot isostatic pressing, and machining, to produce fully finished components.