6th August 2019: A20X™, the aluminium alloy developed and patented by UK foundry specialist Aeromet International, has cemented its status one of the strongest aluminium additive manufacturing powders commercially available after surpassing the key 500 MPa UTS mark.
As part of a recent research project involving aero-engine giant Rolls-Royce and additive manufacturing equipment specialist Renishaw, heat-treated parts produced using A20X™ Powder have achieved an Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) of 511 MPa, a Yield Strength of 440 MPa and Elongation of 13% – putting the powder at the forefront of high-strength aluminium additive manufacturing.
Crucially, parts additively manufactured with A20X™ Powder maintain high-strength and fatigue properties even at elevated temperatures, outperforming other leading aluminium powders.
Mike Bond, Director of Advanced Material Technology at Aeromet, commented: “Since bringing the A20X™ alloy to market for additive manufacturing 5 years ago we have seen significant adoption for high-strength, design-critical applications. By working with Rolls-Royce, Renishaw and PSI we have optimised processing parameters that led to record-breaking results, opening up new design possibilities for aerospace and advanced engineering applications”.
The HighSAP project, backed by the UK’s National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP), was led by Aeromet and involved Rolls-Royce, Renishaw and atomisation experts PSI. A20X™ Powder for additive manufacturing is derived from the MMPDS-approved A20X™ Casting alloy, the world’s strongest aluminium casting alloy, which is in use by a global network of leading aerospace casting suppliers.
For more information, visit www.a20x.com/powder
About Aeromet International
Founded in 1982, Aeromet International is a leading supplier of cast metal parts to the global Aerospace and Defence industries. It provides major OEMs including Airbus, Boeing, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce with parts ranging from engine and fuel system components to winglets and doors.
Aeromet is a technology-led business which specialises in the development of unique and innovative solutions for complex parts. The company has developed and patented A20X™, an advanced aluminium alloy used for additive manufacturing and casting.
Aeromet employs 260 people based at three sites in Sittingbourne, Rochester and its headquarters in Worcester. In February 2018 Aeromet announced the acquisition of the business and assets of Stone Foundries, adding employees and operations in Charlton.
Further information at:
www.aeromet.co.uk
www.a20x.com/powder
About National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP)
The Aerospace Growth Partnership developed the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) aimed at small and medium sized suppliers to help them develop their own innovative technologies to enhance their capabilities and increase their ability to win new business with higher tier companies anywhere in the world. The current programme builds upon the successful NATEP programme which ran between 2013-2017 and is now supported by funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK.
By continuing to develop an aerospace supply chain with a high rate of innovation, rich in new technologies the UK will be better able to offer the right products and services, at the right time and ahead of competition. This will ensure that market opportunities are exploited with high value manufacturing work retained in the UK.
Further information at www.natep.org.uk
Source: Aeromet International