Netherlands-based medical imaging components firm Smit Röntgen has announced that it is able to now 3d print parts out of pure tungsten.
3dprint.com and others report that Smit, a Philips brand, is able to create parts through a patented powder bed process using selective laser melting. The company began researching additive manufacturing using the material, which has the highest melting point (3,422 degrees celsius) of any metal, a decade ago.
“From process development to industrialization, smit röntgen is focused on creating added value to the industry by developing and manufacturing parts for medical applications, in particular high precision parts for x-ray collimation targeting the ct/pet/spect market,” said head of development Harry Kleijnen.
“In addition, we also started to design and produce parts for industrial use.”
According to Kleijnen’s company, the time for parts to be created from CAD model is 48 hours.
Tungsten is an excellent absorber of x-rays. it can make strong alloys when combined with steel and as a compound with carbide, and is often found in cutting tools.
Image: Smit Röntgen