Elementum 3D Steel Alloy Materials are currently being researched.
This page will be updated as quantifiable findings are established.
Elementum 3D steel alloys are expected to offer excellent mechanical strength, higher resistance at high temperatures and good surface stability. Additionally, it will maintain high strength, high hardness and high wear while operating at high temperatures. The development of steel alloys will primarily be targeted towards the tooling industry.
9/3/2019
Elementum (E3D) and the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) have accepted a joint STTR for research into the creation of an easy to use all-purpose reusable iron-based alloy for additive manufacturing. The kick off meeting between E3D and CSM was conducted on January 21, 2019. The three goals for the 6-month joint research project include: (1) Implementation of calculated phase diagram (CALPHAD) methods coupled with machine learning to predict printability and properties for a range of compositions; (2) optimization of powder composition, particle size, and morphology for environmental stability with experimental testing of powder exposed to hot and humid conditions; and (3) printing of components of the new candidate alloys to evaluate residual internal stresses, relative density, and properties.
Candidate compositions were evaluated and promising compositions were selected around the 316L stainless steel composition specification range. Corrosion resistant materials were favored for this selection purpose since the Army has already had some success in adopting non-corrosion resistant steels for AM such as AF96. CALPHAD software (Thermo-Calc) was used to examine compositional effects on the equilibrium phase fractions, the temper range between the solidus and liquidus (mushy zone), and the temperature change for the appearance of equilibrium ferrite secondary phase. Experimental testing with printed specimens will begin soon.
Just over two months into the joint research, there has already been positive results with identification of promising alloy specifications for improved printability. Furthermore, Elementum 3D’s research and testing of new 316L and 17-4 PH stainless steel based composites has proven to be instrumental in providing a frame work for development of these new military grade alloys.
Elementum3D is on the cutting edge of high performing steel alloy additive manufacturing gas-atomized powders.
Our team of additive manufacturing materials experts also provides materials and application development guidance for our customers. We are now testing new varieties of steel alloy powders.
Materials science and metallurgy experts helping you redefine what’s possible.
Copyright © 2024 Elementum – All rights reserved
Patrick Callard earned a B.B.A. in advertising from Western Michigan University in 1990. He provides over 30 years of experience in marketing communications, new business development and market outreach.
He has managed multiple marketing projects and budgets for a variety of services and products.
Patrick also successfully grew an IT consulting business from a two-man basement business to a profitable eight employee business in 4-years. Patrick’s daily focus is to unify customer experience, brand purpose, creative communication, and marketing technology to drive the growth of the business.
Tyler’s message will key on blown powder Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED) for AM and repair and why this process is being realized by industry as one of the key pillars in printing thin wall part structures and large part envelope requirements.
Shawn will reveal how Lithography-based Ceramic Manufacturing (LCM) is producing high resolution, high performance technical ceramics that can serve a wide range of applications and structural materials, such as alumina, zirconia, and silicon nitride. He will also touch on how LCM has progressed into multi-material components incorporating ceramics and metals.
Jeff’s presentation will focus on the advances in wire DED, including welding processes for wire DED (arc, laser, and e-beam), next-generation alloys for large format metal 3D printing, and use cases that can benefit from replacing large forgings, replacing large machined billets, and producing advanced tooling — enabling next generation designs.
Dr. Jacob Nuechterlein is the founder and president of Elementum 3D in Erie, CO. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy at the Colorado School of Mines. Jacob has been researching, teaching, or consulting on topics such as casting and powder metallurgy for the last 14 years. Elementum 3D’s work with powder bed laser additive manufacturing is based on these principles. In addition, is thesis work in thermodynamics and formation kinetics of metal matrix composites is directly related to all 3D printing processes.