The United States Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) has expanded its material characterization agreement with Elementum 3D, a Colorado-based leader in additive manufacturing. This enhanced partnership focuses on the specification, dataset generation, and application testing of A6061-RAM2, a specialized aluminium alloy, for Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing.
Under the agreement, Elementum 3D is tasked with developing a comprehensive dataset for A6061-RAM2 T6 in line with MMPDS S-basis guidelines. The project also includes extensive testing to assess the impact of factors such as wall thickness, as-built surfaces, and Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) on the material’s properties and potential applications.
The agreement will support the RSO's efforts to qualify parts produced from A6061-RAM2 on EOS M290 Additive Manufacturing machines, which are crucial for the project. Additionally, the collaboration includes non-destructive testing evaluation and a prototype part study, providing the RSO with critical data to advance the use of aerospace-grade aluminium in their life cycle management and sustainment strategies.
This initiative aims to leverage advanced materials and additive manufacturing techniques to enhance the US Air Force’s capabilities in maintaining and sustaining its fleet.
https://www.metal-am.com/us-air-force-rso-expands-a6061-ram2-testing-agreement-with-elementum-3d/
