Bright Laser Technologies (BLT) has introduced its new BLT-TiāAlNb powder, designed specifically for additive manufacturing in aerospace and automotive applications. This innovative material addresses the growing demand for high-temperature, lightweight, and structural components.
Exceptional Properties of BLT-TiāAlNb
BLT identifies TiāAlNb as a standout alloy with an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, impressive high-temperature performance, and superior resistance to oxidation and corrosion. These qualities make it ideal for industries aiming for improved performance and efficiency.
Overcoming Traditional Challenges
Traditional methods for producing TiāAlNb parts face significant challenges, such as the alloy’s poor room-temperature plasticity and thermal deformability. However, BLT believes advancements in additive manufacturing offer new solutions. By utilizing advanced inert gas atomization. BLT has developed the BLT-TiāAlNb powder and optimized processing techniques to reduce satellite powder occurrences. This approach ensures consistent mass production of high-quality material.
Specifications and Performance
The nominal chemical composition of BLT-TiāAlNb powder is Ti-22Al-25Nb, with a particle size ranging from 15-53Ī¼m. The alloy exhibits excellent properties at both room and high temperatures, sustaining prolonged use at temperatures between 800ā and 900ā. Parts produced from this powder demonstrate remarkable mechanical properties. Such as tensile strength of 250-270 MPa, yield strength of 140-160 MPa, and elongation of 38.8%-42.8% at high temperatures.
Demonstration of Capabilities
To showcase the material’s potential, BLT has created a demonstration sample of a flow channel using BLT-TiāAlNb. This sample represents a typical structure found in actively cooled liquid engines, featuring multiple rectangular flow channels integrated into its design. The compact structure, with walls as thin as 1mm, highlights the selective laser melting (SLM) capabilities of the BLT-TiāAlNb material.
Optimized Production Parameters
BLT has refined key production parameters such as scanning speed, laser power, scanning spacing, and preheating temperature to optimize the creation of TiāAlNb-based components. These optimized parameters are now applicable across all BLT commercial equipment, enabling the production of dense, crack-free parts with consistent quality.
Advancing Industry Standards
Global interest in TiāAlNb materials has surged in recent years, but successful production through additive manufacturing remains limited. BLT’s achievement in mass-producing high-quality BLT-TiāAlNb powder advances research in additive manufacturing processes and microstructures while promoting large-scale engineering applications of TiāAlNb parts across various industries.
With this launch, BLT strengthens its position as a leader in material innovation, paving the way for improved performance in aerospace and automotive sectors.
