Gränges Powder Metallurgy launches DISPAL® S220 AM, our first alloy for Additive Manufacturing for Low CTE applications

S220 AM is an aluminium alloy with high silicon content, characterized by low density and low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Its properties are comparable to those of steel but at a third of its weight, which makes this material particularly attractive for several industries, for example aerospace, automotive and robotics. But the benefits don’t end there. Thanks to the fine Silicon particles being evenly distributed in the matrix structure, the material possesses excellent wear and friction properties. These are only made better by the use of AM process, and in particular of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), as it contributes to an even finer microstructure, thanks to the localized rapid heating and cooling.

– I am not aware of any other alloy on the AM market that has such a low CTE. In the past, we had many success stories of customers replacing steel and carbon fiber applications with the conventional DISPAL^® S220. Now we are excited to offer the same material for Additive Manufacturing giving our customers the opportunity to take advantage of even more geometrical freedom in the design of their next generation products.Greta D’Angelo, Business Development Manager at Gränges Powder Metallurgy says.

A Low CTE is crucial especially in those applications that require extreme precision under high loads and high temperatures, for example in linear technology and robotics. It is also a critical attribute in optical applications in the space industry, where a low CTE is critical in enabling high precision communication at large distances. This is one of the many applications examples we are working on and where we see a great potential. 

Gränges Powder Metallurgy has a long history in manufacturing aluminium powders, that goes back more than 30 years. The DISPAL^® S220 material was invented and commercialized in the 1980’s as part of a larger family of alloys, so the material itself is not new, but its use in Additive Manufacturing can be considered a novelty. This is also marking an important milestone for Gränges that, with the launch of DISPAL^® S220 AM, is making an entrance to the AM market.

At the moment, it is not possible to buy DISPAL^® S220 AM in powder form. Instead, Gränges offers a service to its customers for the Additive Manufacturing of components via their global network of trusted partners. The service is not limited to the manufacturing of the components but also to part selection, development and engineering, and quality assurance.

– We want to support our customers through the whole process, and deliver finished components of high quality, being that prototypes or serial production. We are aware that onboarding a new material can be a daunting process, especially for a new technology like AM, therefore we take care of that part for our customers, so that they don’t have to worry about it.Greta explains.

DISPAL^® S220 AM for Laser Powder Bed Fusion process is the first step of the company into the AM world and surely it will not be the last. Gränges Powder Metallurgy has great ambitions for developing a wide portfolio of both AM aluminium powders and specialized printed aluminium alloys. More alloys are already in the pipeline, and will be released soon, before the end of the year.

For more information: www.granges.com/additive

For inquiries: additive@granges.com