SLM Solutions partnered with Honeywell to qualify 3D-print aluminium aerospace parts. The ongoing collaboration aims to set a new milestone for the material used to produce aerospace components with a high layer thickness to be more efficient in terms of time and cost.
Extracted from Source; TCT Magazine | Image Credits: SLM/ Honeywell
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Honeywell first began exploring AM aluminium parts and parameters last year using an increased layer thickness of 60 and 90 µm on a quad-laser SLM 500 Selective Laser Melting Machine. SLM Solutions initially provided Honeywell with generic aluminium parameter sets to complete material qualification but development of these new parameter sets using a layer thickness of 60 µm and 700 W lasers is said to have now reached an “important milestone”, citing material properties which exceed that of conventional die-cast parts and overall metallic properties for aerospace.
The material, a new beryllium free version of AlSi7Mg0,6 (A357), is highly sought in aerospace due to its lightweight properties, corrosion resistance and desired mechanical properties, such as high-strength across a wide temperature range in comparison to conventional aluminium alloys. It also provides great weldability and can be readily post-processed via a number of techniques.
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