Norsk Titanium Boeing 787
A 3D printed structural titanium component made with Norsk's proprietary Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) process.
Titanium additive manufacturing (AM) specialist, Norsk Titanium and SAE International (SAE) have announced the release of the first specification documents for direct energy deposition AM.
Developed within the SAE Additive Manufacturing Committee (SAE AMS-AM), the specifications utilise Norsk’s Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) process and material requirements, which leverages titanium wire with plasma torches to print large titanium structural components up to 50-100 times faster than powder-based systems with 25-50% less titanium than forging processes.
Established in 2015 by aerospace industry leaders and with over 500 global participants, SAE’s AMS-AM Committee develops aerospace material specifications for metal and polymer AM processes and materials. The new SAE Aerospace Materials Specifications (AMS) documents are now available to AM professionals worldwide.
“Our engineers have thoroughly enjoyed working with the SAE team to validate our proprietary process with the engineering community,” said Norsk President and CEO Michael Canario. “RPD is truly a disruptive process to the current subtractive manufacturing industry with wide benefits supporting not only the supplier, but the end-user.”
The specifications - AMS7004 Titanium Alloy Preforms from Plasma Arc Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing on Substrate Ti-6Al-4V Stress Relieved and AMS7005 Wire Fed Plasma Arc Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing Process - establish the minimum basis required for the procurement of RPD Preforms by an aerospace or non-aerospace customer and support the regulatory certification process by ensuring consistent process and quality control.
David Alexander, Director, Aerospace Standards at SAE International commented: “As well as contributing vital technical expertise, Norsk Titanium played a leadership role as document sponsor in the development of the groundbreaking new specifications and along with the other AMS-AM output, these new material and process specifications help address the regulatory authorities’ request for guidance material for this critical emerging technology."
