A key visual developed for use at Additive Manufacturing trade fairs 2018, including EuroPM, TCT, Oerlikon etc. The image uses the AM key visual of the spaceship to visualize the AM value chain, from powder production right through to surface finishing, to show that Linde can provide gas solutions for each and every stage. Strapline: Gas-enabled excellence. From powder to precision parts. Artwork files can be provided upon request

AM gas atmosphere control: ADDvance O2 precision

First-of-its-kind oxygen measuring technology to improve additive manufacturing

High-end additive manufacturing relies on the perfect gas composition to create products with material properties that meet all requirements. The recently developed ADDvance® O2 precision will enable metal additive manufacturers to analyse and control precisely the level of oxygen (O2) and humidity within the printer chamber in a revolutionary way.

Common quality challenges in additive manufacturing
The additive manufacturing process operates within a closed chamber filled with high-purity inert gases such as argon and nitrogen. However, impurities due to incomplete purging, small machine leakages and metal powder can have an influence on the oxygen level. A variation in oxygen content in the chamber can result in differences in mechanical properties or chemical composition of the end product – for example a decrease in fatigue resistance.

Advancing technology together with Airbus Group Innovations

ADDvance O2 precision was developed in response to aerospace company Airbus Group Innovations being challenged with quality and performance issues in their printed aluminium parts due to incorrect oxygen and moisture levels in the printer chamber. A new class of gas management device was clearly needed. ADDvance O2 precision is the result of the joint efforts of Airbus Group Innovations and Linde’s engineers.

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Perfect oxygen levels in the additive manufacturing gas chambers

ADDvance O2 precision is the first solution that lets additive manufacturers define the perfect oxygen level for the material and application at hand, providing perfect results every time. It can detect oxygen levels of up to 10 parts per million (ppm) within the printer chamber and then modify the gas atmosphere by adjusting the level of argon or nitrogen.

Easily choose the ideal atmosphere for 3D metal printers
ADDvance O2 precision uses state-of-the-art engineering to continuously analyse the gas atmosphere in the powder chamber with high precision and without cross-sensitivity. It accurately recognises O2 concentration and automatically initiates a purging process to keep the atmosphere as pure as needed by additive manufacturers. Hence it is easy to choose the perfect atmosphere for any metal or application and guarantee consistently high quality in every single print – with fully unimpaired material properties.

ADDvance O2 precision: The ideal solution if maximum quality is the minimum objective

  • Space-saving and universally deployable
  • Simple plug-and-play connectivity
  • Ergonomic touch interface
  • No cross-sensitivity    
  • 10 ppm accuracy
  • Monitoring of dew point
  • Indication of H2 traces