3D-printed “superalloy” could make power plants more efficient...The material is both stronger and lighter than those used to make conventional power-plant turbines.

FreeThink ^ | June 18, 2023 | By Sam Jarman

[Red Badger]

AVIATION PING!.............

[davidb56]

Lighter.... yes, stronger? I got doubts about comparisons.

[Red Badger]

Aside from the possible turbine use, the materials could be used in IC Engine components, like pistons and combustion chambers or sleeves.

The engines could be run at a much higher temperature for even more fuel efficiency and less pollutants.....................

[dynachrome]

I’m thinking a 3d printed Ruger.

[Red Badger]

Aside from the possible turbine use, the materials could be used in IC Engine components, like pistons and combustion chambers or sleeves.

The engines could be run at a much higher temperature for even more fuel efficiency and less pollutants.....................

[rdcbn1]

The critical parameter is strength at operating temperature. This is an alloy that would be very difficult to process using conventional methods but is very well suited for in situ fusion in very thin layers used for 3D printing

[know.your.why]

I think ive cut just about all of the common nickle alloys in aerospace parts mfg in 30+ years. HRSA’s...heat resistant super alloys are always a challenge to work with. Too bad that working with it doesnt pay the machinist any more $. Gotta admire the 3D printing tech these days.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Higher temps in ICE means higher NOx…that’s bad.

[Attention Surplus Disorder]

The idea that an alloy laid down in hundreds of micro-thin layers could be stronger than a one-piece forging is exceptionally hard to believe. You’d have hundreds of potential fault lines.

[Red Badger]

So does lightning and farming......

[marktwain]

If the material has to be created in a 3D printer, then making the part at the same time is obvious. No machining required. The parts are fabricated as the material is created.

[marktwain]

Sintered materials ( this is essentially a sintering process) can be very strong.

[smokingfrog]

You could make all kinds of good stuff with that. I’m guessing it might be a tad expensive, though.

[SamAdams76]

[rottndog]

Superalloys aren’t new.

[Sirius Lee]

Wake me up when you can 3D print a cute girl like that.

[smokingfrog]

Which would be more precise? That can also be a critical factor.

[SamAdams76]

Pinging null and void. He's already done that.

[Attention Surplus Disorder]

I absolutely agree, but it’s hard to believe stronger than a forging. It may be that blades of adequate strength and durability could be formed or part-formed this new way and *then* forged and could save on machining time. That’s IMO.