3D Printing in Aluminum F357 for Thin-Walled Heat Transfer Applications
Aircraft-grade alloy is ideal for additive manufacturing of aerospace, military, and defense components, making it a logical addition to VELO3D’s portfolio. The 3D printing of parts can actually replace applications where casting is used.
Posted: May 12, 2020
A manufacturing process for additively manufactured parts in Aluminum F357 is commercially available from VELO3D (Campbell, CA) for use with its Sapphire metal 3D printing system.
The foundry-grade aluminum alloy, suitable for the laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) process, enables 3D printing of parts that have traditionally been manufactured using casting practices. There are other aluminum alloys that are more commonly used in metal additive manufacturing, such as AlSi10Mg, but Aluminum F357 can be anodized and shares characteristics with A356, a widely used casting alloy.
“Aluminum F357 has already been certified for mission-critical applications — unlike some exotic alloys — so it was a logical addition to our materials portfolio,” says VELO3D Founder and CEO Benny Buller. “We will continue to add more compatible materials that enable customers to print parts they couldn’t before, yet with even better material properties than traditional manufacturing.”
The manufacturing process of Aluminum F357 for Sapphire was developed jointly with PWR, which supplies advanced cooling solutions to Formula 1, NASCAR, and other racing series, along with automotive, military, and aerospace industries. “We chose Aluminum F357 due to its ideal material properties to suit thermal performance, machining and weldability,” says Matthew Bryson, PWR’s general manager.
“Our ability to print free-form and lightweight structures for heat transfer applications with our Sapphire system from VELO3D,” he continues, “will further enhance performance and packaging optimization opportunities for our product range and provide significant value to our customers.”
VELO3D’s patented SupportFree process eliminates the consideration of support structures for complex passageways, steep overhangs, and low angles. Coupled with its non-contact recoater, VELO3D’s printing process can produce the ultra-thin wall structures and high aspect ratios that are essential for a variety of flight-critical applications.
The Sapphire metal AM printer by VELO3D is now compatible with Titanium64, INCONEL alloy 718, and Aluminum F357. A material datasheet for Aluminum F357 can be downloaded here; or complete this form to inquire about printing a prototype.
