New Aluminum (Al) Alloy Capable of High-strength Performance at Elevated Temperatures from 200-300 Degree C

Press Release Summary:

  • Enables the printing of light-weight precision components not currently possible with traditional manufacturing methods
  • Developed using integrated computational materials engineering technologies and materials by Design® approach
  • Meets all requirements without the need for subsequent heat treatment

Original Press Release:

High-temperature Aluminum Alloy for Additive Manufacturing Announced

Evanston, IL – In a joint effort, QuesTek Innovations LLC and the German Aerospace Center will explore the full potential of QuesTek’s new printable aluminum (Al) alloy. QuesTek Innovations LLC, a leading developer of metal alloys, announced that it has developed the new aluminum (Al) alloy for additive manufacturing. This alloy is capable of high-strength performance at elevated temperatures (200-300°C) in the as-built condition. It is believed to be the first powdered AI material to meet those requirements without the need for subsequent heat treatment. The new alloy will enable the printing of lighter-weight precision components not currently possible with traditional manufacturing methods. Examples include heat exchangers or other components requiring internal cooling channels, where such features are not viable to obtain via machining. Because of the high-temperature strength of printed components using QuesTek’s new alloy, it will also be possible to reduce weight in parts that currently must be made from Ti.

The new Al alloy was developed using QuesTek’s proven Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) technologies and Materials by Design® approach, which combines the company’s computational technology with an exclusive stage-gate design and development process. As a global leader in the practical application of ICME, QuesTek focuses on the rapid design and development of materials, from a conceptual need through product insertion.

In an effort to explore the full potential of QuesTek’s printable Al alloy, the company will be collaborating with the prestigious German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt, “DLR”). The DLR will print demonstration components of their design for aeronautics and space applications, and prepare a performance brief for European aerospace manufacturers.

Commenting on the development, Greg Olson, QuesTek Chief Science officer said, “The accelerated design and development of a printable aluminum alloy capable of meeting so many current needs is especially exciting, as it will enable concurrent design of material composition and component geometry. Based on our internal test results, we see broad application of this material in manufacturing components for aerospace, satellite, automotive and high-performance racing.” Olson continued, “We are particularly pleased to be collaborating with the DLR. Their unrivaled reputation, expertise and close relationship with industry needs will bring an important new scope to our efforts.”

Heinz Voggenreiter, Director of the Institute of Materials Research for the DLR, said, “For additive manufacturing to become a production technology with the capacity to produce components capable of performing in high temperature, high-stress applications, new extraordinary printable alloys will be needed. The German Aerospace Center, with its decades of experience in the development of materials and structures for space and aeronautics, is an ideal cooperation partner for QuesTek to explore intended applications.”

This new high-temperature Al alloy is one of a series of Al alloys for Additive Manufacturing QuesTek is developing, under multiple US Navy-funded Small Business Innovation Research awards. Other Al alloys under development by QuesTek include a high strength at-room-temperature variant, as well as high strength and highly corrosion-resistant variant. QuesTek is also collaborating closely on high-temperature Al Additive Manufacturing alloys for engine applications with Pankl Racing, an Austrian-based manufacturer known for advanced production technologies and high-performance components.

More information on QuesTek’s development of aluminum alloys can be found at:

https://www.questek.com/aluminum-based-alloys.html

QuesTek Innovations LLC is a global leader in Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) technologies and has used its proprietary Materials by Design® methodology to rapidly design and deploy a family of commercially-available Ferrium® steels being used in demanding aerospace, space, and other applications. For over 20 years, QuesTek has been selected by all branches of the US government and a diverse industrial client base to understand and resolve their most pressing materials challenges. QuesTek’s experience spans the major alloy systems including Al, Mg, Cu, Fe, Ti, Co, Ni, Mo, Nb, W, high entropy alloys and metallic alloys for additive manufacturing.

The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is the national aeronautics and space research center of the Federal Republic of Germany. Its extensive research and development work in aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security, and digitalization is integrated into national and international cooperative ventures. DLR is also responsible for the planning and implementation of Germany’s space activities on behalf of the federal government. DLR is also the umbrella organization for one of Germany's largest project management agencies.

Contact:
Jeff Grabowski
QuesTek Innovations LLC
847-425-8241

Guillermo Requena
German Aerospace Center
+49-2203-601-4418

Morrie Goldman
Definitive Marketing Inc.
847-424-1000

All Topics