SMW has developed Almascan alloys (Al-Mg-Sc system), deploying advanced powder metallurgy
technology which entails ultra-rapid cooling with subsequent thermoplastic processing. The technology
allows to obtain materials with desired enhanced characteristics.
SMW specializes in advanced technologies and materials with a focus on light alloys. The work on Almascan system of alloys began in 2012, under guidance of Airbus, and per the respective R&D strategy, SMW began to develop AlMgSc materials and related technological processes for fabricating powder and thin wire for additive manufacturing — for deployment in aerospace applications. Close cooperation with the leading Airbus and EADS specialists continued, as part of joint participation in EU-sponsored projects.
Aerospace, defense, automotive and motorsports industries
Powder for SLM process, thin wire for additive manufacturing — WAAP and laser-cladding processes. Also, finished parts machined from bar; and rolled sheet/plate.
The testing of the exfoliation corrosion has shown neither change of a surface color (including any darkening) nor a corrode layer on surface or end faces of studied samples. Thus, according to GOST 9.904-82, the resistance of a given alloy to the exfoliation corrosion was evaluated with a grade “1”, which corresponds to no change of a sample surface. Moreover, a low average value of the corrosion rate about 0.006 mm/year (see Table 3) in comparison to conventional 5xxx and 6xxx alloys given in a work of Ahmad et al. were obtained.
Evgeniya Kabliman, Salar Bozorgi, Johannes Kronsteiner, and Alexey Nikolas, for Advanced Engineering Materials
The interest within the aerospace sector in aluminium-based materials possessing higher characteristics is further reinforced by the decreasing cost of scandium. This may lead to expanded range of applications beyond the aerospace industry, such as rail, motorsports and other.
