T. Syvänen, L. Thorsson, J. Kotila, O. Nyrhilä, J. Hänninen, EOS Electro Optical Systems Finland Oy, Turku, Finland
Additive laser melting technologies have been used for manufacturing prototypes, functional metal components and prototype tools for more than 10 years. During this period the technology has advanced to a level where direct production of complex metallic parts for various applications is possible. High-end applications in aerospace and medical industry have special demands for materials, manufacturing technologies and supply chains. A New manufacturing technology has to be well proven before it can be widely accepted for critical metal part manufacturing. Therefore intensive research and development work, material testing, metallurgical characterization and validation procedures are ongoing to enter these industries with a technology such as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS).
This paper presents the status of DMLS technology and material development trends for aerospace applications in which EOSINT M270 laser sintering machines are used. Recent advances in heat resistant Nickel and Cobalt Chrome alloys are presented more in detail. EOS NickelAlloy In718 with a composition similar to UNS N07718 is introduced. The Material characteristics and the properties of laser processed and heat treated samples are compared with conventionally processed wrought alloys and relevant aerospace materials standards such as AMS 5662 and AMS 5664. An application case study is also presented.
Summary: This paper and presentation introduces possibilities to use Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) process and EOS M270 machine for aerospace aplications. Recent advances in heat resistant Nickel and Cobalt Chrome alloys are presented and especially the material characteristics of EOS NickelAlloy In718 are discussed more in detail.
