What is breathable steel and what is its main function?

It is a metallic material with interconnected microscopic pores that allow the controlled passage of gases. Unlike traditional steel, it allows air to flow through the structure without letting molten plastic pass through. It also maintains mechanical strength comparable to that of standard steel, making it suitable for the high temperatures and pressures of injection molding.

What injection molding defects does breathable steel solve?

During injection molding, air trapped in the mold can cause internal voids, surface defects and irregularities in the finished part. Breathable steel eliminates this problem by allowing air to escape through its micropores. In this way, higher quality parts are obtained without compromising the integrity of the mold.

How does the porous structure of breathable steel work at the microscopic level?

The structure features a network of interconnected microscopic pores that block molten plastic but are large enough to let gases pass through. This allows trapped air to pass through the metal during injection. The pores are designed not to compromise the mechanical strength of the material nor its ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures.

What technologies are used to produce breathable steel?

Production takes place mainly through selective laser melting (SLM), a metal 3D printing technique. During the process, a foaming agent is added to the steel powder to create the necessary microporosity. This method makes it possible to manufacture breathable bars and inserts to be integrated into larger molds.

Why is the SLM technique considered advantageous compared to other powder metallurgy techniques?

It represents a simpler and more economical solution compared to other powder metallurgy techniques, which are expensive and complex to obtain small pores. The process allows controlled porosity to be obtained while maintaining excellent mechanical properties. Furthermore, it enables the production of specific inserts for integration into existing molds.

What mechanical properties does breathable steel maintain despite its porosity?

Despite the microscopic porosity, the material retains mechanical strength comparable to that of traditional steel. Key properties include compressive strength, high hardness and the ability to withstand the high temperatures and pressures of injection molding. This makes it reliable for demanding industrial applications.

Breathe the steel? Here's how it really works

Breathable steel is a technical solution to eliminate trapped air during injection molding. Thanks to a microporous structure, it allows gases to pass through the metal without compromising mechanical strength or allowing molten plastic to pass through.

This technology arose from a concrete need: when hot plastic is injected into a mold, the trapped air must escape. Otherwise, voids, surface defects, and irregularities are created in the finished part.

What is breathable steel

A metallic material with microscopic porosity that allows for the controlled passage of gases, while maintaining impermeability to liquids.

Steel is normally a solid and impermeable material. The concept of “breathability” overturns this fundamental characteristic: it features a network of interconnected microscopic pores that allow gases to flow through the metal structure.

These pores are small enough to block molten plastic, but large enough to let air pass through. The structure maintains the mechanical properties necessary to withstand the high temperatures and pressures of injection molding.

Key features

Interconnected microscopic porosity for gas passage
Impermeability to molten plastic during molding
Mechanical strength comparable to traditional steel

How it is produced: key technologies

Production uses metal 3D printing techniques with the addition of foaming agents to the metal powder.

The main technique uses selective laser melting (SLM) with metal powders. The distinguishing element is the addition of a foaming agent to the steel powder: during the printing process, this agent creates the necessary microporosity.

The method allows the production of breathable bars and inserts to be integrated into larger molds. It represents a simpler solution compared to other powder metallurgy techniques, which are expensive and complex for obtaining small-sized pores.

The mechanical properties obtained are notable: compressive strength, hardness, and resistance to cor

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Q&A

What is breathable steel and what is its main function?: It is a metallic material with interconnected microscopic porosity that allows for the controlled passage of gases. Unlike traditional steel, it allows air to flow through the structure without letting molten plastic pass through. It also maintains mechanical strength comparable to that of standard steel, being suitable for the high temperatures and pressures of injection molding.
What injection molding defects does breathable steel solve?: During injection molding, trapped air in the mold can cause internal voids, surface defects, and irregularities in the finished part. Breathable steel eliminates this problem by allowing air to escape through its micropores. This way, higher quality parts are obtained without compromising the integrity of the mold.
How does the porous structure of breathable steel work at a microscopic level?: The structure features a network of interconnected microscopic pores that block molten plastic but are large enough to allow gases to pass through. This allows trapped air to traverse the metal during injection. The pores are designed not to compromise the material's mechanical strength or its ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures.
What technologies are used to produce breathable steel?: Production occurs mainly through Selective Laser Melting (SLM), a metal 3D printing technique. During the process, a foaming agent is added to the steel powder to create the necessary microporosity. This method allows for the production of breathable bars and inserts to be integrated into larger molds.
Why is the SLM technique considered advantageous compared to other powder metallurgy techniques?: It represents a simpler and more economical solution compared to other powder metallurgy techniques, which are expensive and complex for obtaining small-sized pores. The process allows for controlled porosity while maintaining excellent mechanical properties. Furthermore, it enables the production of specific inserts for integration into existing molds.
What mechanical properties does breathable steel maintain despite its porosity?: Despite microscopic porosity, the material retains mechanical strength comparable to that of traditional steel. Key properties include compressive strength, high hardness, and the ability to withstand the high temperatures and pressures of injection molding. This makes it reliable for demanding industrial applications.