BLT Unveils High-Strength Aluminum and Ti65 Powders for Additive Manufacturing

In a significant advancement for the aerospace and industrial sectors, Bright Laser Technologies (BLT) has introduced its latest innovations in metal powders designed specifically for additive manufacturing. Leveraging extensive research and development, BLT is launching a new high-strength aluminum alloy for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and the BLT-Ti65 alloy for both SLM and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) processes. These materials are part of BLT’s comprehensive turnkey solutions that meet the complex demands of modern manufacturing.

High-strength aluminum alloys are highly regarded for their exceptional strength, thermal stability, and superior processing performance, making them essential in sectors like aerospace, high-speed trains, automotive, and premium sports equipment. However, using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology to produce these alloys often presents challenges, such as cracking and poor component density.

To address these challenges, BLT has optimized the process parameters for high-strength aluminum alloys, allowing for the successful manufacturing of complex, large-sized components with integrated structures, and achieving high yield rates. In May 2023, BLT launched the high-strength aluminum alloy BLT-AlAM500, specifically designed for aerospace applications.

At TCT Asia 2024, BLT showcased parts made from this material, such as bent tubes, ventilation ducts, and connecting pipes, which are characterized by thin-walled, irregularly shaped tubular structures with internal cavities. Traditional manufacturing methods for these components are often complex, challenging, and costly. However, using the high-strength aluminum alloy BLT-AlAM500 and the Metal LPBF printing machine BLT-S400, BLT optimized the design and reduced the weight of each part by approximately 20%, achieving excellent shape control and meeting internal quality requirements.

Post-heat treatment, BLT-AlAM500 achieves tensile strengths of 530-550 MPa, yield strengths of 480-500 MPa, and elongation rates of 11-17%. The material also boasts excellent fracture toughness and fatigue performance, with a room temperature fracture toughness of 30.8 MPa·m1/2 and a high-cycle fatigue strength of 245 MPa (smooth sample) at room temperature. Compared to similar imported powders, BLT-AlAM500 offers a cost reduction of about 40-50%, significantly lowering manufacturing costs.