A world-first study led by Monash University engineers has demonstrated how cutting-edge 3D-printing techniques can be used to produce an ultra strong commercial titanium alloy.

Australian researchers, led by professor Aijun Huang and Dr Yuman Zhu from Monash University, used a 3D-printing method to manipulate a novel microstructure. In doing so, they achieved unprecedented mechanical performance.

Research as part of the Ultrastrong nanotwinned titanium alloys through additive manufacturing study was undertaken on commercially available alloys and can be applied immediately.

“Titanium alloys require complex casting and thermomechanical processing to achieve the high strengths required for some critical applications,” said Professor Huang.

“We have discovered that additive manufacturing can exploit its unique manufacturing process to create ultrastrong and thermally stable parts in commercial titanium alloys, which may be directly implemented in service.

“After a simple post-heat treatment on a commercial titanium alloy, adequate elongation and tensile strengths over 1,600 MPa are achieved, the highest specific strength among all 3D printed metal to date,” he continued.

“This work paves the way to fabricate structural materials with unique microstructures and excellent properties for broad applications.”

According to the Monash University research titanium alloys are presently leading the 3D-printed metal components for the aerospace industry. However, the report claimed that most commercially available titanium alloys made by 3D-printing do not have satisfactory properties for many structural applications, especially their inadequate strength at room and elevated temperatures under harsh service conditions.

“Our findings offer a completely new approach to precipitation strengthening in commercial alloys that can be utilised to produce real components with complex shape for load-bearing application. This application is still absent for any Titanium alloys to date,” said Professor Huang.

“The 3D printing plus simple heat treatment also means the process cost is greatly reduced compared to other materials with similar strength.”

The findings in this work are expected to lead to fundamental insights into the principles of strengthening and dislocation engineering in the field of physical metallurgy.

In other news, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has partnered with CEVA Logistics to spread the Don’t #uck With A Truck message across three B-double trailers which will travel across Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney.

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