The potential of SLM technology for processing magnesium alloys in aerospace industry

Abstract

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) of magnesium alloys is the technology undergoing dynamic development in many research centres. The results are promising and make it possible to manufacture defect-free material with better properties than those offered by the manufacturing technologies used to date. This review aims to evaluate present state as well as main challenges of using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) for processing magnesium alloys as an alternative way to conventional technologies to manufacture parts in the aerospace industry. This literature review is the first one to outline information concerning the potential to use magnesium alloys in the aerospace industry as well as to summarise the results of magnesium alloy processing using AM technologies, in particular L-PBF. The available literature was reviewed to gather information about: the use of magnesium alloys in the aerospace industry-the benefits and limitations of using magnesium and its alloys, examples of applications using new processing methods to manufacture aerospace parts, the benefits and potential of using L-PBF to process metallic materials, examples of the use of L-PBF to manufacture aerospace parts, and state-of-the-art research into L-PBF processing of magnesium and magnesium alloys.

Bone Union Quality after Fracture Fixation of Mandibular Head with Compression Magnesium Screws

“…[ 79 ]. The fusing and melting of metal powders into complex anatomical shapes were not achieved by older traditional subtractive techniques and the literature indicates that such complex geometries were a barrier in respect to classical manufacturing techniques [ 80 ]. Three-dimensional printing effectively expands manufacturing capabilities while simultaneously simplifying production and reducing the cost of creating personalized implants, screws, plates, templates, and replacements for lost anatomical elements [ 81 ].…”

Fabrication and effect of Mg–Zn solid solution via Zn foil interlayer alloying in FSW process of magnesium alloy

“…However, HAZ has less effect on the tensile tested specimen and the effect of tensile strength and fracture point purely depends on the grain size variation in different zones, process parameters effects and the effect of the alloying element at the stir zone. The hardness in the nugget area [27] is significantly greater than other zones [5] due to dynamic recrystallization [28] and leads to finer grains. For EZn2, the highest micro-hardness is 71 HV at nugget area ( Fig.…”

Applications of Magnesium and Its Alloys: A Review

“…Another example would be to print alloys of complex geometries. This was previously not achievable with traditional manufacturing, and the literature has suggested these limitations to have hindered its growth [24]. Further, as opposed to conventional production methods, fabrication with additive manufacturing can also significantly reduce the technical difficulty and cost of customized production while improving its efficiency [25].…”

“…These efforts cumulated to the discovery of less-flammable magnesium alloys, which opened the possibilities for them to be incorporated in passenger cabins. Accordingly, the Society of Automotive Engineers revised its standards, specifically AS8049C, in 2015 to allow magnesium alloys for aircraft seat construction if it complies with the Federal Aviation Administration requirements [24,51]. Another area with significant progress addresses magnesium's meager mechanical strength for engineering applications.…”