A20X, an aluminium alloy developed and patented by Aeromet, has been confirmed as one of the strongest aluminium additive manufacturing powders commercially available, after surpassing the key 500MPa UTS (ultimate tensile strength) mark.

As part of a recent research project (HighSAP) involving aero-engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce and additive-manufacturing equipment specialist Renishaw, heat-treated parts produced using A20X powder have achieved a UTS
of 511MPa, a yield strength of 440MPa and an Elongation of 13%.

Aeromet (www.aeromet.co.uk) says this capability puts the powder “at the forefront of high-strength aluminium additive manufacturing; and crucially, parts additively manufactured with A20X powder maintain their strength and fatigue properties even at high temperatures, out-performing other leading aluminium powders.”

Mike Bond, director of advanced material technology at Aeromet, said: “Since bringing the A20X alloy to market for additive manufacturing five years ago, we have seen significant adoption for high-strength design-critical applications.

"By working with Rolls-Royce, Renishaw and PSI Ltd, we have optimised processing parameters that led to record-breaking results, opening up new design possibilities for aerospace and advanced engineering applications.”

The HighSAP project, backed by the UK’s National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP), was led by Aeromet and involved Rolls-Royce, Renishaw and ‘atomisation experts’ from PSI.

A20X powder for additive manufacturing is derived from the MMPDS-approved (Metallic Material Properties Development and Standardisation) A20X casting alloy; this is said to be the world’s strongest aluminium casting alloy and is used by a global network of aerospace casting suppliers.