Available Technologies

Executive Summary

Currently, 3D printing of stainless steel yields a porous product that requires infiltration with another metal, such as bronze, to increase its density. This infiltration process can drastically alter the mechanical properties of the 3D printed part, rendering it unusable for most industrial applications. MSU’s innovative technology avoids this porous issue outright by using a unique powder composition and process that enables existing metal 3D printing systems to produce near full density stainless steel products.

Description of Technology

This unique powder composition can produce 3D printed stainless steel parts with very high relative density (99.7%) to pure stainless steel. These 3D printed parts have nearly the same physical properties as milled stainless steel.  The novel powder composition is compatible with existing metal 3D printing systems. 

Key Benefits

• High density stainless steel is achievable – 99.7% density of pure stainless steel.
• Removes the need to infiltrate samples with other metals, such as bronze.
• No changes to existing metal 3D printing systems are required to use the new powder composition.

Applications

• Metal 3D printing: Binder Jetting Printing, possibly SLS and SLM printing
• Stainless Steel Manufacturing: Sintering is used in various applications (faucets, filters, etc.)

Patent Status: 

Patent pending

Licensing Rights Available:

Full licensing rights available.

Inventor: Patrick Kwon

Tech ID: TEC2016-0094