NanoSteel Launches 3D Printable Tool Steel

NanoSteel®, the leader in nanostructured steel materials, announced the launch of BLDRmetal™ L-40, a case-hardening steel powder that provides high hardness and ductility (case hardness >70HRC, 10%+ core elongation) and prints easily on standard commercial equipment. BLDRmetal™ L-40 is designed to be used for parts including tools, dies, bearings and gears.

The capabilities of BLDRmetal™ L-40 were demonstrated by printing an 8-inch roll thread die set. “We tried nearly every combination of material and conventional CNC machining process to create our dual-thread die sets, none of which could cut or grind the complicated dual-thread geometry,” said Mark Doll, President and CEO of Perfect Lock Bolt America Inc., the only manufacturer of dual-thread fasteners in North America. “The NanoSteel solution delivers exactly what we are looking for, including excellent surface finish, flexibility, as well as strength and hardness for maximum die life. This is a welcomed technological innovation to the fastener industry. We have been pleased with our testing and are slated to start production this year.”