3D printing specialist Renishaw and Aeromet International Limited plan to improve the processing of Aeromet’s A20X aluminium alloy using Renishaw metal additive manufacturing (AM). The companies are also investigating a range of heat treatment regimes to deliver improved properties in AM components. The results of these developments will be made available to Renishaw and Aeromet customers, the companies say.
A20X is a range of high-strength aluminium alloy which includes the metallic materials properties development and standardisation (MMPDS) approved A205 casting alloy and AM205 powder for AM. A20X is an aluminium-copper alloy with a microstructure and a solidification mechanism, giving it greater strength, fatigue and thermal characteristics compared to other alloys, according to Aeromet. Originally developed as a casting alloy, A20X cast parts are also available from the company.
‘A20X is being rapidly adopted for additive manufacture of aero engine, airframe, space, defence and automotive parts,’ said Mike Bond, director of AMT, a division of Aeromet. ‘We look forward to making processing techniques for this innovative alloy more widely available to accelerate its adoption.’
The two companies plan to release processing techniques and material properties information in the coming months.
This story is reprinted from material from Renishaw, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
