Desktop Metal adds pure copper to its range of materials

While going public a few weeks ago, US manufacturer Desktop Metal announced the addition of pure copper to its range of materials compatible with its Studio System solution. Known for its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, copper could enable the creation of high value-added parts for a number of industries such as energy, automotive and electrical applications. This pure copper is an addition to the range of materials the company already offers, namely 4140 chromoly steel, H13 tool steel, 316L and 17-4 PH stainless steel.

In the metal additive manufacturing market, it is not easy to find solutions capable of printing pure copper: instead, they generally offer chromium-zirconium copper. Indeed, the use of a laser makes the manufacture of pure copper parts much more complicated. On the other hand, the Studio System machine uses a process similar to MIM, based on the extrusion of a plastic that contains metal powder. Therefore, it can print pure copper parts, just like Markforged’s Metal X machine, which showcased its capabilities in this space at the beginning of the year.

A 3D printed pure copper heat exchanger printed in 3D in pure copper | Photo Credits: Desktop Metal

Jonah Myerberg, Technical Director and co-founder of Desktop Metal, explains: “Known for its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, copper is a highly sought-after material for a wide range of industries and applications, from heat exchangers and electrical components for heavy industry to consumer products. Whether for heat sinks, electric motor and power system components, or resistance welding electrodes, 3D printed copper on the Studio System is an ideal choice for the manufacture of parts with complex geometries“. As you can see, this addition to the range of compatible metals is particularly interesting for applications that require high heat resistance or electrical conductivity. It is therefore hardly surprising that the first parts created are electrode holders, heat exchangers or bus bars.