NewAIMS
Additive Manufacturing (AM) offer attractive possibilities for design optimization and production of limited series of components. These aspects fit perfectly some industrial and economical sectors: a clear match is that of hot forming tools.
Tooling for hot stamping, die casting, plastic injection moulding benefit enormously from free-form refrigeration channels, that cannot currently be obtained by conventional (substractive) manufacturing. However, 3D printing is hampered by a limited selection of available materials. In the case of tool steels, and hot work tool steels in particular, the choice comes down to expensive superalloys or special high-alloy steels, such as Maraging grades. Moreover, even though they command a price premium, these materials are inferior to conventional tool steels in terms of durability and properties.
The main objective of NewAIMS is to research, study and demonstrate strategies to obtain cost-effective high-performance steel in AM processes, through concepts of modified AM with integrated heat treatments.
In addition to generating fundamental knowledge, NewAIMS will propose two high-performing steel grades and a demonstration of printing solutions based on Powder bed Fusion (PBF); while linking processes and microstructures to their final performance.
NewAIMS will demonstrate these solutions in a use case based in tool steels, an essential family of steels used in virtually all manufacturing processes, and where the characteristics of AM offer immediate advantages and transversal implementation.
Facts
Project period
230901-270131
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