Use of Laser Metal Deposition for launcher parts

Abstract

In this study, we focus on additive manufacturing using Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) to produce a large space aluminum component that is expensive to manufacture with conventional methods and requests a long lead time. Two main objectives are aimed at: the setup of the process with the determination of process parameters that lead to healthy parts and the demonstration that the component size and geometry is largely compatible with LMD. Two materials are considered for this component. AlSi10Mg and Scalmalloy®. Processing parameters have been optimized to obtain a density on both materials over 99.5%. The final material is chosen with regard to the mechanical performance. Scalmalloy provides both better strength and ductility and is chosen to print a demonstrator. The demonstrator printed in this study is a section of a large (1 m diameter) ring-shaped component that has been topologically optimized. Some modifications are made on the original design in order to make it compatible with LMD printing. The printing strategy is then established. The results of the (non-) destructive testing reveal that the demonstrator is healthy and the mechanical properties are as expected.