3D printer manufacturer BLT introduces new aluminum and Ti65 powder for additive manufacturing

Chinese 3D printer manufacturer Bright Laser Technologies (BLT) has unveiled its latest metal powder products for additive manufacturing.

The BLT-AlAM500 high-performance aluminum alloy aims to improve the quality of industrial manufacturing. These alloys are known for their exceptional strength, thermal stability and excellent processing properties. In the aerospace industry, they are used for structural components and engine parts, while they are also used in high-speed trains, lightweight automotive parts and high-end sports equipment. However, the production of these alloys using SLM technology often presents challenges such as cracking and low density.

BLT has optimized the process parameters for high-performance aluminum alloys and managed to overcome the difficulties of producing complex, large-sized components with integrated structures and achieve high yield rates. In May this year, BLT launched the new high-performance aluminum alloy BLT-AlAM500, which was specially developed for aerospace applications. At TCT Asia 2024, BLT presented components such as bent tubes, ventilation ducts and connection pipes made from this material.

These components, which are characterized by thin-walled, irregularly shaped tube structures with internal cavities, require high precision and quality. Conventional manufacturing methods are complex, challenging and costly in this context. BLT has optimized the design of these parts using the high-performance aluminum alloy BLT-AlAM500 and its own Metal LPBF printing machine BLT-S400 for integrated manufacturing. Each part takes around 30 hours to form, which enables an average weight reduction of around 20%. The parts have excellent shape control and meet internal quality requirements, providing valuable insights for significant weight reduction in civil aviation.

Another significant innovation is BLT-Ti65, a multi-component, high-temperature titanium alloy suitable for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) processes. This alloy offers excellent strength, plasticity, creep resistance, corrosion resistance and thermal stability at temperatures up to 650°C, making it particularly attractive for applications in aerospace, chemical equipment and marine engineering.

However, 3D printing of Ti65 powder often leads to defects such as unmelted or partially melted powder particles, porosity between layers and cracking. These defects can affect the material strength and increase the risk of failure. BLT has developed the BLT Ti65 powder to address these issues and is suitable for both SLM and DED processes. After heat treatment, parts made from BLT Ti65 powder achieve impressive strength and elongation values at high temperatures.

These advances demonstrate how BLT is continuously working to improve its materials and processes to meet the growing demands of the industry while reducing costs. With a portfolio of over 80 moldable materials, BLT will continue to provide innovative solutions that meet the needs of various industries.