Rosatom scientists have developed a comprehensive database of the properties of Russian materials obtained using selective laser melting (SLP) technology. This will speed up by 3-5 times the time needed to select materials for the manufacture of complex metal products used in the aviation, space and nuclear industries. The database was developed by specialists from the Rosatom Institute in Sarov.
Selective laser melting is a method of 3D printing of metal parts, in which a laser beam melts the metal powder layer by layer and completely, creating dense and durable products of complex geometry. The process requires an inert environment and support structures for heat removal. It is used for the manufacture of high-strength metal products, for example, in the aerospace industry (lightening of body parts, turbine blades), medicine (implants), automotive industry (engine components).
Additive technologies (3D printing) is one of the drivers of the development of Russian industry making it possible to move away from classical designs and find non-standard solutions to complex engineering problems. In the nuclear industry, more than 30 organisations are already using additive technologies in their production processes.
Currently, the database combines more than 60 critical characteristics of materials, alloys, metal powder compositions, steels obtained both by traditional methods and various additive technologies: from the composition of powders and properties of composites to workpiece manufacturing technologies, post-processing methods and product quality control. It also contains test data and unified additive techniques for process standardisation.
During the research process, it was established that the basic mechanical properties of materials obtained by additive methods are not inferior to, and in some cases are superior to the properties of materials obtained by traditional technologies, and are also characterised by a narrower range of properties from sample to sample.
The use of a database eliminates the need for long-term experiments, improves the quality of the product through standardisation of control, optimises costs through the use of unified solutions and accumulated experience, and expands the possibilities of designing the geometry of the finished product.
According to first deputy director of Rosatom’s private institution Science and Innovation, Alexey Dub, the introduction of a comprehensive database of material properties into the work of designers significantly reduces development time and manufacturing of parts. “By using the database, scientists will not have to conduct additional calculations and research. All accumulated experience will be available to the entire industry,” he noted. “Thus, specialists working in different institutions will be able to quickly exchange data and work results. In addition, given the need for additional testing, the process of designing and manufacturing the necessary parts will become more economical. In essence, the database is a single source of reliable information. It is planned that it will be constantly replenished, expanding the scope of application.”
