瑞典的材料公司Gränges Powder Metallurgyhas launched its very first additive manufacturing powder.
AM S220（ALSI35）是该公司分配材料家族的一部分，是一种适合激光粉末床融合3D打印的高性能铝合金。该材料的特征是其高刚度，低热膨胀，出色的磨损行为，良好的可加工性和低密度。
根据Gränges的说法，合金的特性与钢的特性相似，除了重量的三分之一。这使其成为航空航天和汽车等部门的性能应用的强大选择。
30 years of aluminum powder manufacturing
Gränges boasts over 30 years of experience in aluminum powder manufacturing. The company actually developed and commercialized its original DISPAL S220 alloy back in the 1980s as part of a wider materials family. As such, S220 isn’t actually new, but its use in laser powder bed fusion marks Gränges’ debut in the 3D printing sector.
To complement the new AM S220 offering, the firm is currently working on creating an entire product line of aluminum-based 3D printing powders, which are expected to be launched before the end of 2022.
What makes AM S220 unique?
Gränges’ AM S220 alloy is special in that it has a high silicon content, giving it a unique blend of low density and low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The low CTE is what enables the powder to maintain high precision under extreme stresses and temperatures, making it a great choice for 3D printed precision robotics. The property also allows the material to preserve accurate communication over large distances, meaning it’s also suitable for optical applications in space.
Additionally, the fine silicon particles in the alloy are evenly distributed, which lends itself to excellent wear and friction characteristics.
“I am not aware of any other alloy on the AM market that has such a low CTE,” stated Greta D’Angelo, Business Development Manager at Gränges Powder Metallurgy. “In the past, we had many success stories of customers replacing steel and carbon fiber applications with the conventional DISPAL S220. Now, we are excited to offer the same material for Additive Manufacturing, giving our customers the opportunity to take advantage of even more geometrical freedom in the design of their next-generation products.”
Although AM S220 is not yet commercially available, Gränges is offering a dedicated 3D printing service through its global network of manufacturing partners. As well as part printing, the service also includes aid with part selection, development, and quality assurance.
D'Angelo补充说：“我们希望通过整个过程为客户提供支持，并提供高质量的成品组件，即原型或连续制作。”“我们知道，入门新材料可能是一个令人生畏的过程，尤其是对于像AM这样的新技术，因此我们为客户照顾这一部分，以便他们不必担心。”
3D打印材料行业一如既往地活跃。就在这个月，工程公司Sandvikannounced the development of anovel 3D printable cemented carbide。Previously only used in manufacturing via other technologies, the material features a tough cobalt and tungsten carbide matrix structure, giving it the durability needed to print parts for demanding industrial applications.
在其他地方，在细丝空间中，材料公司虚拟铸造推出了新的基于钨的radiation shielding filament, Rapid 3DShield Tungsten。该材料是公司有史以来最稠密的FFF灯丝，它能够提供辐射屏蔽益处，而无需删除或烧结。
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Featured image shows 3D printing with AM S220. Photo via Gränges Powder Metallurgy.
