Elementum 3D, Erie, Colorado, announces that it has been awarded patents in the United States, Canada, and Australia for its reactive additive manufacturing (RAM) technology. The process reportedly forms sub-micron inoculants in the melt pool that create a nucleus around aluminum grains, producing a fine, even microstructure for improved printability and performance.
RAM technology has enabled development of additive manufacturing powders for materials that are usually difficult to 3D print using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) systems. Such materials include high-performance alloy powders based on established wrought alloys, including aluminum 1000, 2024, 6061, 7050, and 7075.
Elementum 3D states that the new 3D printing materials present superior properties compared to previously available additive manufacturing materials and corresponding wrought alloys. High strength wrought aluminum alloys used in a number of industries could not previously be 3D printed because they are susceptible to hot tearing (solidification cracking), leading to parts with poor mechanical properties.
The RAM process could expand the materials library of additive manufacturing by enabling the 3D printing of previously unprintable materials. With the additive manufacturing industry at the forefront of metal manufacturing, presenting advantageous applications for a number of key industries, the limited selection of printable metal materials constrains wider adoption.
