About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Additive Manufacturing and Innovative Feedstock Processing for Multifunctional Materials
|
| Presentation Title |
Development, 3D Printing, and Sintering of an Aluminum–Magnesium Alloy Paste for In-Space Manufacturing Applications |
| Author(s) |
Hassan Soltani, Fatou Ndiaye, Kunal Kate, Sihan Zhang, Ray Pitts, Jennifer Jones, Cadre Francis |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Hassan Soltani |
| Abstract Scope |
This study explores the additive manufacturing process of paste printing, sintering, and de-binding for fabricating aluminum-magnesium alloy components. The paste formulation involved combining aluminum powder with 1 wt.% magnesium, utilizing acrylic polyol, solvent, and plasticizer to create a homogeneous mixture. Printing parameters were optimized to ensure continuous pressure for improved extrusion. Sintering conditions involved incremental temperature increases with nitrogen flow to remove solvents. Density measurements, tensile tests, and shrinkage calculations were conducted to assess part quality post-sintering. The study revealed significant improvements in part quality with 1 wt.% magnesium incorporation within aluminum, although density and tensile strength fell short of aluminum standards. Measured sintered densities ranged from 2079 to 2323 kg/m³, and the highest recorded tensile strength was 74.43 MPa with a corresponding Young's modulus of 1.415 GPa. Parts experienced a uniform shrinkage of approximately 3.65%, which allows designers to account for this phenomenon effectively. Challenges related to sintering, such as adhesion to the graphite plate, highlight the need for temperature control. Scanning electron microscopy of sintered cross-sections revealed pores and regions of loose powder that were not completely sintered, which affected the mechanical properties of the parts. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the additive manufacturing of aluminum alloys, offering pathways for sustainable solutions and waste reduction in various applications, mostly in space. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Additive Manufacturing, Aluminum, Characterization |