New Sustainable Alloys for Additive Manufacturing: Experimental Validation of Alloy Design Tool

Purpose and goal

One of the more severe limitations when searching for new metallic alloys for LPBF is the tendency for hot cracking. Various models for the hot cracking tendency are commonly used in research. A rapid and simple tool to select alloy compositions with minimal risk for hot cracking has been developed and will be validated by new experiments.

Expected effects and result

The project is conducted within the frames of the specific SME efforts of the CAM2 competence center. New alloys for LPBF have been developed within CAM2 using calculation tools (Sc-free Al-alloy and Co-free maraging steel). The validated tool can be used for future developments of alloys. The results will improve the understanding of the effects of alloying elements on cracking susceptibility.

Planned approach and implementation

1) Selection of alloy compositions using the digital alloy design tool 2) Obtain prealloyed powder or by mixing of powders 3) Print small cubes 4) Characterization with the goal to check for hot cracking 2-3 alloy compositions will be tested. The experimental work is planned to be performed at Chalmers.