The US company Elementum 3D has been selected by the America Makes organization to lead a consortium to qualify aluminium powders for additive manufacturing. The project, which has a budget of over 4 million dollars, aims to create a comprehensive data set for the use of a special aluminum alloy in 3D printing.
According to Elementum 3D, additive manufacturing often lacks material data, especially with regard to reliable statistical statements. The project will focus on a high-strength aluminium alloy called A7050, which is characterized by high strength and low weight.
In addition to Elementum 3D, well-known partners from industry and research such as Dyndrite, EOS, Eaton and Ohio State University are also involved. America Makes sees the availability of such data as crucial for a broader acceptance of 3D printing in safety-critical areas.
Until now, there has been a lack of comprehensive and reliable material characteristics, which has prevented the widespread use of 3D printing in aircraft construction, for example. Elementum 3D has already been able to demonstrate the strengths of its A7050 alloy at the US Air Force Additive Manufacturing Olympics.
The large-scale material and component testing within the America Makes program is now intended to significantly improve the data situation. The results will then also be available to other members of the alliance and government agencies.
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