Alloyed has announced it has received funding from the ATI Programme towards an ambitious £1 million project focused on the development of a next-generation nickel-based superalloy for additive manufacturing.
The project, which also includes ITP Aero and Cranfield University, aims to enhance the capabilities of ‘ABD-1000AM’, a high-temperature alloy designed for laser powder bed fusion, which is thought to be vital to the production of ultra-efficient future jet engines.
In a press release, Alloyed said it has identified "huge demand" for the material, particularly as next-generation aerospace components require more intricate geometries made from materials capable of surviving the high temperatures and harsh conditions of combustion. The company, which specialises in the computational design and optimisation of metallic materials, believes the material will be "game changing" for building gas turbines for aerospace propulsion and industrial power generation.
A team at Cranfield University's National High Temperature Surface Engineering Centre will be applying its expertise in coatings capable of withstanding oxidation and high temperatures to the development of a protective coating tailored for the ABD-1000AM. The ITP Aero UK team will provide technical knowledge and experience in developing combustor technology.
Dr David Crudden, Chief Metallurgist and Head of New Market Development at Alloyed, described the project as a prime example of how ATI funding is being used to "bridge the gap between early research and industry development programs."
Rob Mitchell, Director of Engineering for ITP Aero UK, said: “We look forward to working together to discover how this advancement can make a real-life difference to our industry, the technology we are developing today, and the future projects we are focused on for the pioneers of tomorrow.”
This project is one of several ongoing collaborations between Alloyed and the ATI Programme, including the development of a high-strength aluminium alloy for aerospace applications and a £14 million initiative focused on a digital qualification platform to streamline the certification process for flight-ready 3D printed components.
