Optomec, Albuquerque, N.M., announces an advancement in capability for the company’s LENS directed energy deposition systems relative to additive manufacturing and repair of aluminum alloys. This innovation can be used to deposit any aluminum alloy, including those recently developed specifically for improved properties with additive manufacturing. The photo shows a LENS directed energy deposition system printing aluminum powder onto an aluminum substrate.
This development for the Optomec directed energy deposition (DED) process opens the transportation and aerospace industries to AM and repair of complex aluminum alloy parts using powder-based DED. Additionally, the use of Optomec’s LENS simultaneous 5-axis system enables the processing of aluminum alloy parts with complex geometries without the need for support structures. Deposition of aluminum alloys in a controlled-atmosphere glovebox with very low levels of oxygen and moisture ensures achievement of components with superior mechanical properties.
According to David Otazu, LENS Applications Engineer, “Our engineers have developed process parameters for aluminum alloys to provide an excellent surface finish, high deposition rates, and a density of ~99.9%.” With this advancement, Optomec LENS systems can successfully process all common materials used for AM, including steels, titanium, nickel, copper, and now, aluminum.
www.optomec.com
