Aubert & Duval and OxMet Technologies partner to offer high-strength and high-temperature nickel based powders for AM
Aubert & Duval, a subsidiary of the High Performance Alloys Division of the Eramet group, based in Paris, France, and OxMet Technologies, an alloy development company located in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, UK, have announced a partnership agreement for the production and distribution of OxMet’s ABD®-XAM range of high-strength and high-temperature nickel based powders for Additive Manufacturing.
The powder range, which currently consists of high-strength and high-temperature nickel alloys ABD®-850AM and ABD®-900AM, has been designed specifically for the AM process. The new alloys can be additively manufactured crack-free, with a wide processing window, and are said to exhibit high strength up to 900°C. This is reportedly a significant performance improvement over conventional alloys, where there is a trade-off between strength and AM processability; the strongest nickel alloy (Alloy 718) currently available for AM becomes unstable above 650°C, making it unsuitable for use in the most critical turbomachinery components.
Aubert & Duval explains that the addition of the ABD®-XAM alloys to the company’s Pearl® Micro powder portfolio will enable its global customer base to additively manufacture complex high-temperature parts for aviation and industrial gas-turbines, space and motorsport applications.
“Additive Manufacturing is a unique and innovative process, and to unlock its true potential, new materials are required,” stated Olivier Dubois, VP Business Line Powders for Additive at Aubert & Duval. “With this partnership, Aubert & Duval brings to its customers two new high-performance alloys designed for Additive Manufacturing. We are excited to see what they will create.”
Michael Holmes, OxMet’s CEO, commented, “OxMet has seen significant industry interest in its ABD®-XAM range of alloys, and this partnership with Aubert & Duval will enable us to meet the growing demand for alloy powder. We are proud to be working with such a well-respected leader in the powder manufacturing industry.”
