Optimization of Additive Manufacturing of Aluminium Alloy 356 for Aerospace Applications

增材制造（AM）是指通过以逐层方式控制添加材料来构建3D对象以生产最终形状或接近最终形状的对象的新兴技术。AM和铝合金（AA）的结合成为轻量化部件的关键。然而，已证实的AA和AM的组合仅限于两种合金，即AlSi12和AlSi10Mg。对A356飞机的非结构部件、随后的热处理计划和几何尺寸限制缺乏了解是建立该项目的主要原因。该提案由加拿大铝业协会（AAC）、普惠加拿大（PWC）、贝尔直升机德事隆加拿大（BHTC）、雷尼绍、FusiA和麦吉尔大学共同设计，将解决现有的知识差距，允许采用选择性激光熔化工艺制造当前和未来的A356航空航天部件。待探讨的现象包括AM工艺参数和凝固微观结构之间的关系，以及在时效硬化和硅相的奥斯特瓦尔德再结晶过程中发生的竞争性相互作用的平衡，相互作用将决定机械性能和变形行为。这些关系将以通用铝基航空航天部件制造的几何准则的形式实施。所有工业合作伙伴都将带着具体的技术目标参与该项目，并将在拟议的研究中发挥关键作用。审计咨询委员会的任务是提高增材制造在铝转换行业的采用率，从概念组件的证明。 普华永道将通过制造传统铸造方法无法加工的非结构铝部件来提高竞争力。BHTC看到了降低为其旧车辆提供过时铝铸件更换零件的成本的关键机会。作为航空航天工业的OEM增材制造商，雷尼绍将进一步增强其技术领先地位。FusiA将提高其与AM 356相关的知识。该研究的传播将提高加拿大在航空航天部门AM技术采用率方面的地位。

Additive Manufacturing (AM) refers to an emerging class of technologies that build 3D objects by the controlled addition of materials in a layer-by-layer fashion to produce objects at or near their final shape. Combining AM and aluminum alloys (AA) becomes key in light weighting components. However, the proven combination of AA and AM is limited to two alloys, namely AlSi12 and AlSi10Mg. The lack of knowledge in AM of A356 for non-structural components, subsequent heat treatment schedule and geometry limits are the primary reasons for the establishment of this project. This proposal, co-designed by Association of Aluminum Canada (AAC), Pratt Whitney Canada (PWC), Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC), Renishaw, FusiA and McGill University, will address the existing knowledge gaps, permitting the adoption of selective laser melting processing for the fabrication of current and future A356 aerospace components. The phenomena to be explored include the relationship between AM processing parameters and the solidification microstructure, and the balance of the competitive interactions to be occurring during age hardening and Ostwald repining of the Si phase, interaction that will dictate the mechanical properties and deformation behavior. These relationships will be implemented in the form of geometrical guidelines for the fabrication of generic Al-based aerospace components. All industrial partners are entering the project with specific technological objectives and will play a key role in the proposed research. AAC has as mandate to increase the adoption rate of AM in the Al transformation sector from proof of concept components. PWC will improve their competitiveness by fabricating non-structural Al parts that cannot be processed by traditional casting methodologies. BHTC sees the key opportunity to reduce the cost for the providing of obsolete Al casting replacement parts for their older vehicles. Renishaw will augment its technological leadership as OEM AM manufacturer in the aerospace industry. FusiA will improve its knowledge related to AM of 356. The dissemination of the research will improve Canada's position in adoption rate of AM technologies in the aerospace sector.