ORNL’s DuAlumin-3D alloy targets high-temperature automotive parts
Scientists at the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, are reported to have used DuAlumin-3D for the Additive Manufacturing of high-temperature automotive components.
The ORNL-developed alloy, with a nominal composition of Al-9Ce-4Ni-0.5Mn-1Zr (wt.%), uses the high cooling rates in Additive Manufacturing to achieve a refined microstructure and thermally stable mechanical properties. It is said to exhibit superior strength and resistance to deformation at elevated temperatures, outperforming traditional alloys that can be prone to cracking during Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) processing.
This advancement could lead to lighter, stronger components and improve fuel efficiency.
“DuAlumin-3D performed exceptionally well in our evaluations,” said lead ORNL researcher Alex Plotkowski. “While our research focused on its use in high-efficiency engines, it could also be used for lightweighting applications in aerospace and to optimise heat exchangers.”
