Speaker
Description
The goal of this project was to assess the ability of the Additive Manufacturing technique for the manufacturing of space hardware and components with size larger than 0.5 meters.
The study shows how a large structure was built up by Plasma Metal Deposition (a plasma based DED process) while using Titanium grade 5 alloy, comparing both feedstock types of powder and wire. Initiated by ESA a deep investigation in the process and the material properties was performed, before the built structure was completely analyzed utilizing destructive and non-destructive methods like X-Ray inspection.
A total of six parts was processed and compared. Selected AM structures were milled to its final dimensions and surface finish.
Therefor we investigated the entire process chain, including follow-up heat treatment and post-processing machining besides the 3D printing itself. The result demonstrates good mechanical properties and finishing, meaning we are able to take the technology forward, including the investigation of alternative materials. Plasma metal deposition is a candidate method to manufacture large sized components in the future, such as the optical bench of the Athena mission by ESA, which will be the most complex part ever printed in titanium.
The proposed presentation gives a scientific insight in the research performed and explains the benefits and opportunities of the AM System used.
| Speaker Country | Austria |
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