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Aluminum 3D Printing Service
Our aluminum 3D printing delivers precision, speed, and reliability from prototypes to production.
Aluminum in 3D Printing
Aluminum 3D printing is 3D printing tailored towards making 3D printed aluminum parts by harnessing the aluminum’s excellent properties like high strength-to-weight ratio and thermal conductivity.
To 3D print aluminum parts, create a 3D CAD aluminum model and sinter the aluminum powder layer-by-layer. Available 3D printing techniques include selective laser melting (SLM), electron beam melting (EBM), and laser deposition welding (LMD).
The choice of aluminum alloy can affect the quality of the 3D-printed aluminum parts. At RapidDirect, we use AlSi10Mg aluminum alloy. After printing, the printed parts have a characteristic matte gray, rough finish, and sparkle due to the presence of silicon.
| Price: | $$$ | Available Aluminum at RapidDirect: | Aluminium (AISi10Mg) Silver Grey |
|---|---|
| Lead Time: | < 6 days |
| Wall Thickness: | 0.8 mm |
| Tolerances: | ISO2768-C |
| Max Part Size: | 300 mm x 300 mm x 300 mm |
Aluminum (AISi10Mg) Properties
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320-370 | 120-140 | 5-10 | 100-120 | 2.67 |
Pros and Cons of Aluminum 3D Printing
Aluminum offers many benefits that make it suitable for 3D printing processes. However, there are some downsides to consider before choosing it for any project.
Pros
- Suitable for manufacturing strong parts with complex and intricate designs
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Parts have good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance
- 3D printing aluminum is additive and reduces waste
- 3D-printed aluminum parts are applicable in industries like aerospace and automotive that need to improve fuel efficiency and performance.
Cons
- The cost of aluminum powder and the set-up cost for aluminum 3D printing is high
- It is less cost-effective for low-volume production runs.
- It might require additional post-processing to achieve the desired surface finish
- The build size of the aluminum 3D printer can limit its size and production efficiency. You might need to print more significant 3D-printed aluminum parts in sections and assemble them. This can lead to weak points.
Applications of 3D Printed Aluminum Parts
Aluminum parts are widely used across various industries, including:
- Aerospace: Brackets and heat exchangers
- Automotive: Engine parts, brackets, and lightweight frames
- Consumer Electronics: Housings, heat sinks, and structural components
- Medical Devices: Prosthetics, surgical tools, and custom implants
FAQs
Yes, you can 3D print aluminum using powder bed fusion technologies like Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). These 3D printing processes use high-powered lasers to selectively melt and fuse aluminum powder to create a solid part layer by layer.
6061 aluminum has poor weldability and a high tendency to crack during printing. Hence, it is not a typical aluminum 3D printing material. Instead, the aluminum 3D printing service recommends the standard material AlSi10Mg, known for its better mechanical properties suited for 3D printing.
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