Steel
Elementum 3D Steel Alloy Materials are currently being researched.
This page will be updated as quantifiable findings are established.
Huge interest in this future product from tooling and machinery companies.
Elementum 3D steel alloys are expected to offer excellent mechanical strength, higher resistance at high temperatures and good surface stability. Additionally, it will maintain high strength, high hardness and high wear while operating at high temperatures. The development of steel alloys will primarily be targeted towards the tooling industry.
Product Update
9/3/2019
Joint Steel MMC Army STTR grant awarded
Elementum (E3D) and the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) have accepted a joint STTR for research into the creation of an easy to use all-purpose reusable iron-based alloy for additive manufacturing. The kick off meeting between E3D and CSM was conducted on January 21, 2019. The three goals for the 6-month joint research project include: (1) Implementation of calculated phase diagram (CALPHAD) methods coupled with machine learning to predict printability and properties for a range of compositions; (2) optimization of powder composition, particle size, and morphology for environmental stability with experimental testing of powder exposed to hot and humid conditions; and (3) printing of components of the new candidate alloys to evaluate residual internal stresses, relative density, and properties.
Candidate compositions were evaluated and promising compositions were selected around the 316L stainless steel composition specification range. Corrosion resistant materials were favored for this selection purpose since the Army has already had some success in adopting non-corrosion resistant steels for AM such as AF96. CALPHAD software (Thermo-Calc) was used to examine compositional effects on the equilibrium phase fractions, the temper range between the solidus and liquidus (mushy zone), and the temperature change for the appearance of equilibrium ferrite secondary phase. Experimental testing with printed specimens will begin soon.
Just over two months into the joint research, there has already been positive results with identification of promising alloy specifications for improved printability. Furthermore, Elementum 3D’s research and testing of new 316L and 17-4 PH stainless steel based composites has proven to be instrumental in providing a frame work for development of these new military grade alloys.
Elementum3D is on the cutting edge of high performing steel alloy additive manufacturing gas-atomized powders.
AM Powder Research & Development Services
Our team of additive manufacturing materials experts also provides materials and application development guidance for our customers. We are now testing new varieties of steel alloy powders.