EOS is ready to launch its new EOS Al5X1 high-strength aluminium alloy this summer time after showcasing elements printed with the fabric for the primary time at this yr’s RAPID + TCT.
The EOS Al5X1 materials was developed inside EOS’ lately constituted materials screening programme, which takes under consideration the necessities of the client and the design of the applying within the formulation of supplies.
4 variations of the identical part have been showcased at North America’s greatest additive manufacturing occasion, with three completed in a special color. Among the many many advantages of the brand new aluminium materials are its capability to be anodised and electropolished, whereas EOS additionally championed the necessity for only a single warmth remedy step and the alloy’s excessive elongation at break.
EOS suggests the brand new Al5X1 aluminium alloy boasts larger power than most different aluminium choices accessible within the additive manufacturing market with 410MPa, and likewise has an elongation at break of between 15-18%. The mix of those traits helps to make sure the fabric has a really excessive fatigue efficiency, with prospects in aerospace, defence and shopper electronics already expressing curiosity.
Whereas business suggestions has been constructive with regards the fabric’s power and elongation at break properties, EOS has additionally steered the minimal warmth remedy steps are proving an enormous attraction for producers. EOS says that warmth remedy of the Al5X1 could be so simple as a six-hour cycle at 400°C, with out the necessity for a T6 warmth remedy cycle, water quenching or oil quenching, for instance.
The fabric may also be electropolished to enhance floor end, whereas dyes can be utilized through the anodisation course of to complete elements in several colors. At RAPID + TCT, EOS displayed elements that had gone by way of a kind two anodisation and dyed blue, pink and black with a nickel acetate sealer.
EOS says that though the fabric has not but formally been launched, there are 5 prospects ready to get their fingers on the fabric – together with a defence OEM with whom work has already commenced – as EOS ramps up with their suppliers. An official launch of the fabric is anticipated someday this summer time.
