Preheating Capabilities Facilitate High-Quality 3D-Printed Tool Steel for Tool and Die Industry

Trumpf highlights the capabilities of the TruPrint 5000, which now include reliable 3D printing of standard tool steel H11/H13 (1.2343/1344). The TruPrint 5000, a highly productive, automated metal 3D printing machine, is said to create new possibilities for the tool and die making industry as a result of its preheating capabilities.

Previously, toolmakers could not 3D print carbon tool steel, as the material often cracked when returning to room temperature after laser processing. Now, Trumpf says, the TruPrint 5000 3D printer can be preheated to 500ºC (932ºF), which reduces the temperature drop following laser melting and significantly improves material and surface quality of carbon steels. Moreover, the machine’s automatic process start enables for fast setup, and the build and supply cylinders can be exchanged quickly and safely for work parallel to production, ensuring a high machine utilization rate.

Trumpf says the TruPrint 5000 manufactures high-quality components from a range of different metal materials, rapidly and reliably, while meeting the stringent quality requirements of the tool and moldmaking, and other industries.