Stratasys Introduces New Alloy For Arcam Rapid Manufacturing Systems
Minneapolis – Stratasys recently announced the release of its ASTM F-75 Cobalt Chromium in North America. The material is a new alloy for use with Arcam EBM (Electron Beam Melting) systems. According to the company, Cobalt Chrome is ideal for biomedical and aerospace applications requiring high strength, low weight and excellent wear and corrosion resistance. 
Cobalt Chrome alloys are widely used in orthopedic implants in Europe, particularly in total-hip or knee arthroplasty, as well as in metal-on-metal bearings in total-hip arthroplasty. Stratasys is the exclusive North American distributor of EBM rapid manufacturing and prototyping systems.
"The availability of this alloy opens up new possibilities for direct manufacturing of orthopedic implants and prosthetics," says Kirby Quirk, Stratasys EBM sales-channel manager. "By using Cobalt Chrome and Arcam EBM technology, metal parts can be produced three-to-five times faster than other metal additive-fabrication methods." This allows for new design solutions and greater geometric freedom.
EBM technology offers a new method for rapid manufacturing and prototyping metal components. The process produces solid metal parts through a patented CAD-to-Metal process, in which parts are built in layers from metal powder. In the process, each successive layer is formed when an electron beam melts the metal powder in the geometry defined by the CAD file. Because this process occurs in a high vacuum, and the powder is fully melted, parts are 100 percent dense. And they don't contain imperfections caused by oxidation. The time, cost and challenges of machining or investment casting are eliminated.
Cobalt Chrome is the newest addition to a growing family of metals for EBM rapid manufacturing and prototyping systems. The full line offered by Stratasys for EBM systems now includes F-75 Cobalt Chrome; Ti6AI4V Titanium, the most widely used titanium alloy; and Ti6AI4V ELI, which features improved ductility and fracture resistance at low temperatures. For more details on Cobalt Chrome or the EBM process, contact Stratasys at 1-800-480-3548 or visit: http://www.stratasys.com/systems.aspx?id=484
SOURCE: Stratasys Inc.