Sintavia develops exclusive process for printing F357 aluminum

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) company Sintavia LLC, Davie, Fla., has developed full end-to-end parameters for producing AM parts in F357 aluminum, as well as other aluminum-silicon alloys, for use in precision manufacturing.

The firm’s proprietary process for printing F357 aluminum powder was developed to address aerospace and automotive industry needs for components with low density, good processability, and heat conductivity. Though most aluminum alloy parts are manufactured using traditional casting practices, this process is designed for industries looking to expand beyond traditional manufacturing in foundry-grade aluminum alloys.

“We are seeing an increased demand for AM aluminum-silicon parts from both the aerospace and automotive industries,” said Doug Hedges, president/COO.

“We have developed processes to make F357 aluminum specimens and quickly test them to demonstrate they meet or exceed these industries’ strict validation parameters.”

By establishing a procedure that includes both prebuild material analysis and postproduction heat treatment and stress relief, the company can produce AM components that exceed original design strength by up to 125 percent at net densities of near 100 percent. Through the performance of strength validation at ambient, elevated, and subzero temperatures, the firm is capable of part validation in all critical environments.

In addition to AM, the company offers powder analysis, postprocessing, and mechanical testing on-site.