TruPrint 3000 S2 operator. Photo: TrumpfTrumpf has expanded its aluminum portfolio for additive manufacturing (AM). Jan Christian Schauer, responsible for AM material selection at Trumpf, said: “The new aluminum alloys can be used in numerous 3-D printing applications, from prototyping to series production. Users benefit from the typical advantages of 3-D printing, such as lightweight construction, material savings, and a large degree of control in component design. The quality of the 3-D printed parts is at least as good as that of machined ones.”
The expanded aluminum portfolio includes alloys that are suitable for the automotive, motorsports, aerospace and cycle industries. In Frankfurt, the high-tech company will present sample parts at the world's leading trade fair for 3-D printing,
Formnext 2024, taking place next week (19-22 November) in Frankfurt.
Trumpf is currently working closely with customers from various industries to integrate the new alloys into its applications. Mr Schauer added: “The variety of aluminum variants allows customers to use the best alloy for their particular application. As it is not possible to cover all requirements with a single aluminum alloy, Trumpf is offering a broad portfolio.”
The aerospace industry, for example, requires high-strength alloys, while the automotive industry relies on alloys that are particularly cost-effective. In the cycling industry, especially in frame construction, the aluminum alloy 6061 has established itself, but thus far only in conventional manufacturing processes. Now, frame manufacturers can also use this alloy in Trumpf 3-D printers.
Trumpf assists its customers in selecting the right alloy at its 3-D printing application laboratory in Ditzingen, Germany, where they have the opportunity to test the various aluminum alloys with the high-tech company's 3-D printing experts to find the correct material for their application.