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polymers are extruded through a heated nozzle to build layers of melted materials

Gases are an important part of many additive manufacturing processes but choosing the right gas is just the beginning. You need the right gas supplier — someone experienced at managing gas purity, pressure, flow and supply so you don’t have to think about it.

Optimize the building of AM parts

Gases play a critical role, impacting everything from product quality to process stability and safety. That’s why you need Airgas, an Air Liquide Company. We can help you select and reliably deliver the right gases, paired with the best gas supply mode for the job at hand, so you avoid production interruptions and meet your delivery commitments.

Support for your toughest challenges

Additive manufacturers face a lot of challenges. High machine costs, the ability to source quality feedstock, and the need to produce consistent parts with the right dimensional integrity and finish. Unfortunately, we can’t do anything about machine costs, but we can help you get the most from your investment by providing you with the gas and expertise you need to consistently produce high-quality 3D printed parts.

With decades of experience and relationships with leading machine manufacturers, Airgas is uniquely positioned to help you:

Select the right additive manufacturing gas at the right purity for your builds
Calculate the ideal and most efficient supply mode so you do not run out of gas
Scale your supply mode to bulk and on-site gas generation — as your business grows
Benefit from a resilient supply chain with hundreds of locations throughout North America
Access expertise and equipment to optimize gas usage and keep your team safe

Gas flow mapping

Homogeneous gas distribution within the build chamber can make a big difference when using a powder bed fusion process. If you are struggling to produce high quality parts, the issue could be the gas distribution within your build chamber. Our exclusive gas flow mapping process measures and displays gas velocities within the chamber so you can identify non-homogeneous gas distribution.

What are your challenges?

Controlling oxidation on metal parts

Pure, inert gases create an environment to displace reactive gases, preventing oxides from degrading your parts

Ensuring my team does not run out of gas

Complete gas management with digital tools and algorithms to ensure you have enough gas

Keeping my team safe when building parts from metal powder

Airgas has dozens of certified specialists and a full line of safety products and PPE to keep your team safe

Reducing porosity, warping, cracking and other quality defects

Create ideal build conditions with specialized gases and expertise to optimize pressure and track gas flow

Gases and expertise for all metal-based 3D printing processes

Airgas offers gases, equipment and expertise for all additive manufacturing processes that use gas. These processes are powder bed fusion, binder jetting, directed energy deposition, and metal material extrusion.

Powder bed fusion: PBF processes like Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) rely on the use of gases such as argon or nitrogen to prevent oxidation and ensure the integrity of the parts being produced. Another PBF process, Electron Beam Melting (EBM), uses helium or argon and nitrogen. Regardless of gas type, purity is an important factor for most PBF processes due to the sensitivity of the molten metal.

Directed energy deposition (DED): The DED family includes Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), Laser Metal Deposition and Direct Metal Deposition (or cladding). Argon, carbon dioxide, helium or nitrogen are used to shield the melt pool from atmospheric conditions and contamination while stabilizing the deposition environment. As with powder bed fusion, gas purity is important.

Binder jetting: The initial binder jetting process requires an inert environment when working with combustible materials such as titanium and aluminum powder. In addition, gases are required to make metal parts dense and strong. The gases are used to remove the lubricant used to bind parts together and sinter powder particles together.

Material extrusion: This process includes Fused Filament Fabrication, sometimes called Fused Deposition Modeling. Like binder jetting, this is a sinter-based process in which parts are placed in a furnace to remove the binders and impart strength. Argon, nitrogen and hydrogen are all used. Airgas also offers a nonflammable argon/hydrogen mix designed specifically for sintering called 3D Heat Mix.

Get everything you need for additive manufacturing and post processing

A safe, reliable supply of welding and other gases with minimal impurities in a variety of innovative supply modes so you never run out.

Implement process solutions that solve your specific challenges including powder quality.

A complete portfolio of safety solutions from 60+ QSSP- and OSHA 30-certified specialists and a full line of safety products and PPE, including oxygen sensors and respirators, to keep you protected as you work

Get visibility, control and savings with supply chain solutions including EZ-GAZ™ digital gas monitoring service so you always know how much gas you have and are alerted when you need more