Paderborn University researchers, led by Dr. Florian Hengsbach and Prof. Mirko Schaper, have developed a proprietary tool steel alloy specifically engineered for the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) process. The material addresses the historical performance trade-off in additive manufacturing where high-hardness steels typically suffer from poor thermal conductivity. By optimizing the alloy composition, the team enables the production of injection molding tools with integrated conformal cooling channels that maintain structural integrity while improving heat dissipation. The technology has been transitioned into the startup Addition GmbH, with patent support provided by the NRW-based service provider Provendis to facilitate commercialization.

The injection molding industry relies heavily on tool steels to manage cycle times and part quality, yet existing LPBF-compatible materials often fail to balance the mechanical requirements of high-pressure molding with the thermal requirements of rapid cooling. This development directly targets the tooling sector, which serves as the backbone of mass production for automotive and consumer goods. By enabling the additive manufacturing of high-performance inserts, this material allows for more efficient thermal management in molds, potentially reducing cycle times and increasing tool longevity compared to traditional subtractive manufacturing methods.

For industrial users, the practical value of this material lies in its ability to produce complex, internally cooled tool geometries without compromising the hardness required for long-run production. Addition GmbH must now demonstrate the scalability of this powder production and provide consistent mechanical property data to convince toolmakers to move away from established grades like H13 or 1.2343. Buyers should prioritize evaluating the material's fatigue resistance and surface finish capabilities under high-pressure injection conditions to determine its viability for their specific production volumes.