New DuAlumin-3D Alloy Enhances High-performance Automotive Parts

Automotive piston additively manufactured using the ORNL-developed DuAlumin-3D alloy.
 

From automotive to aerospace, this versatile alloy delivers exceptional strength and fuel efficiency. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made significant strides in utilizing DuAlumin-3D, an innovative aluminum alloy, for high-temperature automotive components, greatly enhancing the potential for additive manufacturing.

The research team discovered that DuAlumin-3D surpasses traditional alloys, which often crack during laser powder bed fusion processing, while retaining similar thermal properties. This breakthrough provides lightweight solutions and helps to lower fuel costs.

“DuAlumin-3D showed outstanding performance in our tests,” stated lead ORNL researcher Alex Plotkowski. “Although our study concentrated on its application in high-efficiency engines, it also holds promise for lightweighting in aerospace and optimizing heat exchangers.”

The alloy developed by ORNL demonstrates superior strength and resistance to deformation at elevated temperatures, outperforming all existing aluminum alloys.