NASA announces the development of advanced materials with the creation of GRX-810, a metal alloy designed to withstand extreme temperatures and can be used in additive manufacturing.
A printable metal alloy that withstands high temperatures
So far, 3D printing of 3D printing of engine components was constrained by a shortage of affordable metals with high thermal resistance. Existing alloys, while effective, were too expensive for widespread production. GRX-810 meets this challenge thanks to its composition based on nickel, cobalt and chromium, together with a ceramic coating that gives it prolonged mechanical strength at high temperatures.
[post_relacionado]It was developed at the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, this alloy is produced by an oxide dispersion process with resonant acoustic mixing. Through vibrations applied to nanoparticles and metal powder, a homogeneous and inseparable coating is achieved. This method allows the powder to retain its oxide-reinforced properties even after recycling.
Elementum 3D currently produces GRX-810 in multiple volumes and holds a co-exclusive license on the material. In collaboration with NASA and through a Space Act Agreement, work is underway to optimize its manufacturing on an industrial scale.
The company’s technical director, Jeremy Iten, noted that large-scale production versions have doubled the service life over early experimental batches. The GRX-810 metallic material withstands temperatures up to 2000°F under stresses that would deform other common materials in a matter of hours.
A company specializing in turbine flow sensors, Vectoflow, is testing versions made with GRX-810. These devices, exposed to extreme thermal conditions, could benefit from increased durability, improving engine efficiency and reducing emissions and operating costs.
Source and photo: NASA