Ever since 3D printing, namely additive manufacturing (AM) came out, it has been regarded as a game-changing technology. After rapid development in recent years, it has been applied in many fields such as aerospace, molds, medical treatment, jewelry, and so on.

The metals used for AM is called the "cartridge" of the 3D printer, and is the foundation and key to metal 3D printing. 

The Additive Manufacturing and New Material Technology Innovation Center of the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area (BDA), led by Avimetal Powder Metallurgy Technology Co., Ltd.,

extends the research and development of special materials for AM to the application link, realizing the localization of over ten sorts of AM materials in just two years.

With two AM manufacturing lines installed in its 800 square meter space, the innovation center has also introduced a complete set of equipment such as metallographic analysis, mechanical tensile experiments, and heat treatment furnaces.

One medical device company developed a new orthopedic implant, chose 3D printing for customized production and used the metals developed by Avimetal. 

After the metals were researched and developed, they passed the innovation center's printing test, with the process optimized.

Then, the materials were delivered to the company, and used to produce products that met the performance indicators, shortening the R&D cycle by two or three months.

After several years of R&D and technical experience accumulation, the innovation center has declared 52 patents covering new products, processes, materials, milling technology, and milling equipment, among which 35 are new inventions.

According to Ma Teng, director of the center, the R&D team of the innovation center has achieved the localization of more than ten mainstream materials in the 3D printing field in just two years. This includes at least six high-temperature alloy and titanium alloy materials, as well as two aluminum alloy materials.