Desktop Metal, University of Toledo Collaborate on Alloy Research

Desktop Metal and The University of Toledo’s Institute of Applied Engineering Research are partnering to support the development of nickel-titanium (Nitinol) alloys, Rene alloys and other nonweldable nickel-based, high-temperature materials on Desktop Metal’s Production System platform. The system’s single pass jetting (SPJ) technology is designed to achieve the fastest build speeds in the metal additive manufacturing (AM) industry.

“We are thrilled to partner with The University of Toledo on this disruptive technology development, opening up a tremendous opportunity for medical, aviation and space applications,” says Ric Fulop, Desktop Metal founder and CEO. “Our Production System platform enables the development of new materials for binder jet 3D printing that can be used for at-scale production. We’re proactively partnering with leading research universities around the world to accelerate materials development and look forward to working with The University of Toledo to advance the development of Nitinol and other critical alloys for binder jetting.”

The partnership includes installing a Desktop Metal Production System P-1 in the University of Toledo lab to open new possibilities in materials and application development.

“By combining our metallurgy, software, chemistry and design expertise, this partnership will allow us to pursue the development of numerous advanced materials, including Nitinol, a shape memory alloy used for many medical applications; ultra-high temperature nickel-based superalloys, such as Rene alloys, for aerospace; conductive materials such as pure copper for electrification; and lightweight materials including advanced aluminum alloys for automotive applications,” says Behrang Poorganji, Ph.D., research professor and director of advanced manufacturing at The University of Toledo College of Engineering. “We believe our collaboration with Desktop Metal will accelerate our education, training and workforce development, which will be key to successful technology adoption in the industry for the future years ahead of us.”