Freedom of Design

In addition to designing highly effective production lines, engineers also have to take the design of universally applicable components into consideration. 3D printing offers technical possibilities for the concepts of designers. This results in various advantages for the respective application of the components manufactured using 3D printing. Especially for aerospace components, the combination of aluminum and titanium with 3D printing results in outstanding properties and advantages. This includes cost-effective components which are considerably lighter than conventionally manufactured components. The resulting insights can be transferred to series production, for example in automotive engineering. An American automobile manufacturer shows the opportunities for the production more efficient vehicles. Brake discs made of aluminum using 3D printing technology have proven to be 50 % lighter than conventional designs.

Compensating for Process-Related Disadvantages

In addition to component design and production planning, the development of components also requires the appropriate selection of materials. Product developers have a wide range of aluminum alloys at their disposal for traditional manufacturing processes such as milling, turning, casting, forging and pressing. These alloys meet individual requirements with regard to machining and strength properties. However, not all alloys are suitable for additive processes. Currently, aluminum AlSi10Mg is often used. Nevertheless, special aluminum alloys adapted to 3D printing have to be developed to compensate for process-related disadvantages.

Lightweight Construction Is Trending in All Industries

Across many growth industries, weight reduction is one of the most dominating development criteria — this concerns the automotive industry, aviation, mechanical engineering and wind power, but also infrastructure, medical technology and the marine, sports and leisure sectors. Weight is not only reduced by using lighter materials, but also by integrating functions and implementing a more load- and material-oriented design.

The aerospace and automotive industries are innovation drivers in the field of lightweight construction. Every kilogram the weight of a vehicle is reduced allows for an additional kilogram of payload. A car that is 100 kg lighter consumes around 0.5 liters less fuel per 100 km. The range of electric vehicles increases accordingly. An Airbus A320 requires 10,000 liters less kerosene per year when it weighs 100 kg less.

This article was first published by MM MaschinenMarkt

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