Hello, this is HDC.
Today, we'll be introducing a notable new material test case in the field of robot-assisted additive manufacturing (WAAM).
as soon as MX3D and NovametalThis collaborative metal wire test resulted in a performance evaluation of two high-performance alloys that broaden the possibilities of the WAAM process.
This project goes beyond simple material experiments and explores how toWhich metals are suitable for the WAAM process?It was a meaningful case that clearly verified .
▶ Why this material?
WAAM has the advantage of being able to rapidly produce large metal parts, but not all metals are suitable for WAAM.
It must satisfy demanding conditions such as welding stability, mechanical reliability, and repeatability.
The two wires chosen for this test are:
- Aluminum ER5183: A high-strength aluminum alloy widely used in shipbuilding, marine structures, and cryogenic facilities.
- Nickel Alloy NiCrMo-3 (ERNiCrMo-3): A nickel alloy with excellent corrosion resistance and strength, suitable for chemical, energy, and marine plant applications.
▶ Testing method: Follow industry standards
All tests are ASME Section IX, Article VI The test was conducted according to the standards, and samples of two thicknesses, 5 mm and 50 mm, were printed using MX3D's robotic WAAM equipment to compare performance. Key test items include:
- Tensile test: UTS, YTS, elongation measurement
- Impact Testing: Toughness Evaluation at Room and Cryogenic Temperatures
- Bending Test: Checking the ductility and soundness of welds
▶ Summary of test results
✔️ Aluminum ER5183
- 5mm sample
– Tensile strength (UTS): 282 MPa
– Bending test: Suitable
- 50mm sample
– Tensile strength (UTS): 286 MPa
– Yield strength (YTS): 128 MPa
– Elongation: 30%
– Impact test (@20°C): 30 J
– Bending test: Suitable
conclusion: Ensure consistent mechanical performance and good weldability regardless of thickness, and confirm ductility and strength suitable for structural WAAM applications.
✔️ Nickel Alloy NiCrMo-3
- 5mm sample
– Tensile strength (UTS): 616 MPa
– Bending test: Suitable
- 50mm sample
– Tensile strength (UTS): 683 MPa
– Yield Strength (YTS): 401 MPa
– Elongation: 58%
– Impact test (@–196°C): 219 J
– Bending test: Suitable
conclusion: It has proven to be highly suitable for WAAM application in energy, marine, and extreme environment parts, securing excellent strength, ductility, and toughness even in extremely low temperature environments.
▶ Expanded options through new material certification
This certification of ER5183 and NiCrMo-3 allows for use in MX3D's M1/MX system. A turning point that greatly expands the range of material choicesThis has become the case.
Especially for projects with extreme environments or high structural requirements, we can now offer more flexible WAAM solutions.
Are you looking to manufacture high-strength aluminum or high-corrosion-resistant nickel alloy parts with WAAM?
Experience the next level of advanced digital manufacturing, from material selection to manufacturing, with MX3D today.
©Arthur Hoogendoorn