EOS Aluminum Al5X1 Aluminium Alloy is now available.
TCT reported that EOS would be launching the high-strength aluminium alloy earlier this year, after the company exhibited sample parts at RAPID+ TCT.
Al5X1 is set to become commercially available to users of EOS M 290 cameras in November. Users of EOS M 400-4 cameras will have the opportunity to use the material the following year.
EOS reports a 14% material elongation with a 410 MPa ultimate tensile force. TCT had been told that the material showed an elongation between 15-18% at break. The material also requires only one heat treatment without Hot Isostatic press, which allows parts to manufacture faster and more cost-effectively. Parts printed in EOS Aluminum Al5X1 can also be electropolished and anodised (Type II and Type III) for both cosmetic and corrosion resistant protective properties, with there being ‘no limits to potential colour choices.’
EOS Aluminum Al5X1 was tested by several organisations from the aerospace, semiconductor, and defence industries before its official unveiling. EOS says the feedback has suggested that the material’s ‘exceptional performance combined with the competitive cost-per-part has created a strong business case for production implementation.’
“Since early 2023, we have been working to develop Al5X1 performance data and material allowables on behalf of our prime customers,” commented Brian Neff, Sintavia founder and CEO. “Preliminary results are very promising, and we look forward to introducing Al5X1 across our thermodynamic product lines. Developing a higher performing aluminium alloy is of critical importance not only to us, but also to the industry as a whole.”
“A combination of high strength and high elongation for an aluminium alloy is critical for manufacturers in industries like aerospace, but equally crucial is delivering the property combination at a reasonable cost,” added Dr. Ankit Saharan, Senior Manager of Metals Technology at EOS. “Also interesting is that since the material can be anodised, this makes it very attractive to OEMs in areas like consumer electronics who are seeking to produce different coloured products to suite customers to suite customers preferences, with the added bonus of corrosion resistance.”