February/March_AMP_Digital

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A D V A N C E D
M A T E R I A L S
&
P R O C E S S E S | F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H
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FEATURE
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parts. The method is based on printing a “negative” of the
outer surface of the AM part undergoing treatment. The
printed cover, which is placed over the work piece, pro-
motes uniform heating and cooling. It also provides access
for direct thermocouple attachment to the part. The result:
high quality, crack-free parts that could not be achieved
without this ingenious adaptation.
CONCLUSION
As the AMcommunity continuesmaking progress, it will
find answers to many lingering questions regarding produc-
tion readiness, quality standards, equipment certification,
repeatability, and other matters. At that point, it is a safe bet
that heat treaters will be vacuum processing far more near
net shape finished components than rawmaterials.
Theywill alsohelpbringabout thenext big innovation,
the ability to print different materials at different locations
within a 3D space. Consider, for instance, what this could
mean for a carburized gear. Through selective application
of materials, the pitch of each tooth could be imbued with
high hardness, gear tooth flanks with improved wear resis-
tance, ductility in the core, and improved corrosion resis-
tance everywhere else.
Being able to synthesize substrates and structures
from multiple materials would have a far reaching effect,
offering a single new approach to many processes such
as brazing and thermal spray. Instead of joining com-
plex assemblies made of different thicknesses of cast or
wrought metals, for example, manufacturers could print
one assembly from a single base metal and then add dis-
similar metals in layers as needed.
Another post AMprocess that will continue to increase
in importance is hot isostatic pressing. Many printed com-
ponents are required to be in a final state that is fully dense
with zero porosity. Only hot isostatic pressing can achieve
these properties, and will continue to be refined along
with other critical processes. ~HTPro
For more information: Robert Hill is president of Solar
Atmospheres of Western PA, 30 Industrial Rd., Hermitage,
PA 16148, 724.982.0660 ext. 2224, ,
.
Fig. 5 — AM components often include holes to give thermo-
couples direct contact with part surfaces, where they can obtain
precise temperaturemeasurements.
10.24 -26.17 GREENER, LIGHTER, STRONGER
FOR MORE INFORMATION,
VISIT THE WEB AT:
HEAT TREATING SOCIETY
CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION
29th
GREATER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER | COLUMBUS, OH, USA
Organized By: Co-Located With:
SAVE THE DATE
OCTOBER 24-26, 2017