Renishaw and Aeromet International Ltd have announced a partnership which will see them collaborate to establish additive manufacturing process parameters and material properties for the latter’s A20X aluminium alloy.
The results of the alliance will be revealed in the coming months, and will be made available to customers of the pair. They hope to optimise the processing techniques for high-performance alloys using Renishaw’s additive manufacturing machines, as well as deliver optimum heat treatment properties in the parts they produce.
A20X is Aeromet’s family of patented, high-performance aluminium alloy technologies. It comprises of A205, a Metallic Materials Properties Development and Standardisation (MMPDS) approved casting alloy, and the AM205 additive manufacturing powder. Boasting a highly-refined microstructure and solidification mechanism, the A20X alloys are said to provide greater strength, fatigue and thermal characteristics compared to other alloys currently on the market.
The family of alloys is supported by additive manufacturing techniques, and both companies are excited to advance its capabilities, and its adoptions, by developing new processes.
“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. “It’s unique combination of high strength, high ductility and performance at high operating temperatures make it ideal for lightweight, stressed components. We look forward to making processing techniques for this innovative alloy more widely available to accelerate its adoption.”
Marc Saunders, Dirctor of Global Solutions Centres at Renishaw added: “Renishaw’s metal AM systems feature high power lasers, an inert processing environment and open parameters, making them ideal for supporting innovative new materials like A20X. We are working closely with Aeromet to qualify this exciting new alloy on our machines. Through our network of AM Solutions Centres, we can help manufacturers to develop industrial AM processes using A20X.”
