27.05.2022
The Institute of Light Materials and Technologies (RUSAL's research centre is part of the Aluminium Association) participated in the 16th International Exhibition of moulds, dies, product design and contract production services (Rosmould 2022).
At the site of the specialised exhibition of moulding tools at the Crocus Expo IEC, RUSAL deployed a booth with the Company's product samples: aluminium additive powders developed by ILM&T and finished products made using 3D printing methods. The exhibits included: samples of high-strength and atmospheric corrosion-resistant alloys, RS-320, RS-333, RS-553 and RS-507, used in the aviation and automotive industries, as well as structural elements of a civil aircraft, a heating radiator and an upper limb prosthesis frame printed using an industrial 3D printer.
Dmitry Ryabov, Head of Science of ILM&T, made a presentation at the session titled 'Import Substitution: Search for Solutions, New Projects, Innovations and Development Prospects', one of the events of the Rosmould 2022 business programme. The expert noted that ILM&T pays special attention to the development of new products and their launch to the market: aluminium alloys for 3D printing, which are developed taking into account the process features and are distinguished by improved performance, such as strength, operating temperatures, etc. The Institute has developed about seven grades of high-quality aluminium alloys for additive technologies. These materials have already been successfully tested by the consumers.
In addition to the development of materials, ILM&T's specialists conduct various engineering surveys and perform work relating to reverse engineering, optimisation of 3D models and printing process modelling.
'As a company, we provide comprehensive solutions, which means we offer not only powder, but also support its implementation. We operate as a full-fledged 3D centre, providing various services using our new materials,' explains Dmitry Ryabov.
The recent projects of the institute include 3D printed optimised models of mechanical engineering parts. Such parts are 30% lighter than equivalents thanks to using a new aluminium alloy with improved performance. For the Moscow Polytechnic University, a body of a transfer gearbox for an electric ATV was printed: the alloy, of which the sub-assembly is made, is a balance between workability and strength.
Today, the institute is implementing projects in several key areas: the development of an alloy with a low linear expansion coefficient and intermetallic materials (a chemical compound of two or more metals). Also, ILM&T actively interacts with domestic printer developers so that any printer owner can easily print a product using ILM&T's powders. The main advantage of this cooperation is that RUSAL's alloys will already be included in the basic printing settings for domestic solutions sold.
INFORMATION ABOUT ILM&T
The Institute of Light Materials and Technologies (ILM&T) was established by RUSAL in 2017 with the support of the Aluminium Association, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia and the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. ILM&T is a unique domestic research centre where aluminium materials for various industries are studied, developed and improved. The institute uses the most advanced equipment and its goal is to develop new generation products with unique parameters for additive production. The research is conducted in four main areas, including wrought, casting aluminium alloys and composite materials, as well as materials for additive technologies.