September 23, 2024
Additively manufactured sample component made of tungsten with different surface orientations and integrated grid structures. © PLANSEE
CERATIZIT S.A., Mamer, Luxembourg (headquarters) and PLANSEE SE, Reutte, Austria, 23 September 2024
CERATIZIT and PLANSEE, both part of the Austrian Plansee Group, are excited to announce their first-ever joint participation at the upcoming Formnext exhibition in Frankfurt. This collaboration will enable the two companies to offer their customers a wide range of additive manufacturing solutions using the refractory metals molybdenum and tungsten, as well as cemented carbide.
By combining the advantages of additive manufacturing processes with the unique material properties of molybdenum, tungsten, and cemented carbide, CERATIZIT and PLANSEE can provide their customers with unparalleled benefits. As the world market leader in molybdenum and tungsten products, PLANSEE is the only company capable of producing additively manufactured components from molybdenum, which exhibit similar properties to conventionally manufactured TZM (Titanium-Zirconium-Molybdenum). Additionally, the company produces components made from tungsten and tungsten heavy alloy.
CERATIZIT, on the other hand, is now able to 3D print all conventional cemented carbide grades from its extensive portfolio, eliminating the need for separate powder development. This includes the more sustainable cemented carbide grades from the upGRADE range, which consist of 50-99% reclaimed carbide powder. These grades not only offer superior performance through the latest metallurgical processes but also significantly reduce environmental impact.
Focus on sustainability
Together, CERATIZIT and PLANSEE cover the entire process chain within their companies, from raw material extraction to the finished product. Through the use of renewable energy, continuous process optimization, and the recycling of tungsten and molybdenum, both companies have been able to consistently reduce the product carbon footprint in recent years.
The Plansee Group has achieved an impressive recycling rate of 90% for tungsten in 2023, significantly reducing the reliance on primary raw materials. Furthermore, both companies ensure that any remaining primary raw materials are sourced from socially, ethically, and environmentally responsible origins. In line with their commitment to sustainability, all metallic residues and waste generated from 3D printing are 100% recycled back into the production cycle.
"We are thrilled to showcase our joint capabilities at Formnext," said Dr Bernhard Mayr-Schmölzer, Head of Additive and Joining Technologies, Corporate Research & Development at PLANSEE. "By combining our expertise in additive manufacturing and our extensive range of materials, we can offer our customers innovative solutions that are both environmentally friendly and high-performing."
Visit CERATIZIT and PLANSEE at the Formnext exhibition in Frankfurt from November 22nd to 26th at Hall 11.1, Stand F19.
PLANSEE is one of the world's leading manufacturers of molybdenum and tungsten components. Whether in electronics, coating technology or high-temperature furnaces: wherever traditional metals are stretched beyond their limits, PLANSEE's refractory metals, alloys and composite materials come into play. As an innovation partner, PLANSEE works with its customers to develop sustainable solutions for the high-tech world, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is technically feasible.
Founded in 1921 in Reutte, Austria, PLANSEE is now an international company with 12 production sites in the USA, Europe and Asia. In order to remain the preferred partner in the field of refractory metals in the future, PLANSEE continuously invests in the training and further education of its more than 3,000 employees as well as in production capacities and state-of-the-art technology: from powder manufacturing and powder metallurgy processes right up to custom machining and the recycling of raw materials.
For over 100 years, CERATIZIT has been a pioneer in developing exceptional hard material solutions for machining and wear protection. The private company, with registered offices in Mamer, Luxembourg, develops and produces highly specialised cutting tools, indexable inserts, rods made from hard materials and wear parts. The CERATIZIT Group is the global market leader in various application segments and successfully develops new carbide, cermet and ceramic grades, such as for wood and stone working.
With 7,000 employees at 30 production facilities and a sales network with over 50 branches, CERATIZIT is a global player in the carbide industry. The company's international network includes subsidiary Stadler Metalle and joint venture CB-CERATIZIT.
The technology leader is continually investing in research and development and holds 1,000 patents. Innovative hard material solutions from CERATIZIT are used in various sectors, including mechanical engineering and toolmaking, in the automotive and aerospace industries and in the oil, gas and medical industries.