ORNL Develops Crack-Free 3D Printable Metal Alloy for Extreme Temperatures

Researchers at ORNL have developed a new crack-free 3D printable metal alloy that can withstand temperatures above 1315C.

The unusual alloy is a combination of seven different elements, with niobium being a major component. ORNL has previously developed high temperature alloys, but the new alloy has a melting point an astonishing 48% higher.

The material is also lightweight and is able to be 3D printed without incurring cracks. Cracks occur due to a combination of microstructure and thermal effects, and it seems that the researchers have found a way around the problem.

The researchers were able to 3D print metal parts in the material by specially tuning an electron beam metal 3D printer.

The ability to 3D print lightweight metal parts that have extreme heat resistance will open up more potential applications.

One application cited by ORNL is the ability to 3D print large metal turbine blades. These would be able to spin at high rates without cracks causing failures, but also able to handle high temperatures for aerospace applications.

ORNL’s Saket Thapliyal explained:

“No one has been able to develop and print alloys with such a high melting temperature and low density without cracks before. This is significant. We’re making something lighter that can hold its structural integrity at ultra-high temperatures.”

As each new material is enabled for 3D printing, more applications can be lit up.

Via ORNL