SLM Solutions, Honeywell qualify parameters for 3D printing thicker aluminum aerospace parts

Honeywell and SLM Solutions have seen success in their collaboration for qualification of aluminum parts printed with high layer thicknesses.

Newly developed parameter sets for aluminum alloy F357, a new beryllium free version of AlSi7Mg0,6 (A357), uses a layer thickness of 60 μm and 700 W lasers. According to the duo, material properties have significantly increased in comparison to conventional die-cast parts and are now exceeding overall acknowledged metallic properties for aerospace.

Aluminum alloy F357 is lightweight and offers corrosion resistance and the desired mechanical properties for aerospace components. It has a great weldability and suitability for post-processing, like mechanical machining or electrochemical such as anodizing.

The partnership between the two companies, announced in 2019, aims to reduce manufacturing times and costs to produce 3D printed aircraft components that meet the high requirements of the aerospace industry.

Honeywell began qualification efforts for aluminum builds using an increased layer thickness of 60 and 90 μm on their quad-laser SLM®500 Selective Laser Melting Machine.

SLM Solutions provided generic aluminum parameter sets for Honeywell to complete material qualification to achieve optimal material properties.