Soon to be commercialized by specialized Australian metal 3D printing service provider Amaero, new high-performance titanium alloy, Amalloy Beta Ti, is now closer to broad international patent coverage, having entered the national phase of the Patent Co-operation Treaty (“PCT”).
Amalloy Beta Ti is a heat treatable version of a beta titanium alloy. This alloy achieves ultra-high-strength and fatigue performance via homogeneous precipitation and removal of grain boundary alpha. The alloy was developed by researchers at Monash University, Australia’s largest university, with which Amaero collaborates for the development of additive manufacturing technology.
Amaero has exclusive global commercial license rights to the patented alloy, and it will form an important part of the Company’s offering to its aviation, defense and space clients in the future.
The development and patent application align with Amaero’s long-term strategy of expanding its offering through the commercialization of metal alloys developed by research partners. In addition to additive manufacturing, the alloy can also be processed using a number of conventional methods for high volume manufacturing including extrusion, forging and casting.
Amalloy Beta Ti specs:
More Amalloy on the way
A second new high-performance alloy developed by Monash University for Amaero will also enter national phase in June 2020. “The new heat-treatable titanium alloy has mechanical properties for applications such as structural components and fasteners widely used in the aviation, defence and aerospace industries,” Amaero CEO, Barrie Finnin said.
“Conventional alloys have limitations and are prone to fatigue failures, which is a risk if used in aircraft,” Mr Finnin added. “The team at Monash designed a heat treatable beta titanium alloy with a novel composition resulting in significant improvements to yield strength of around 30%, as well as enhancing Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), shear strength and fatigue life.”.
“In an aerospace context, being able to deliver improved durability, performance and saving weight makes a strong case for this new alloy to be used in place of the traditional options,” Mr. Finnin concluded.
Known for the highest strength to weight ratio of any structural metal, titanium is used in multiple applications across the aviation, defense and space industries, all markets which have been experiencing significant long-term growth in value, presenting a significant opportunity for Amaero. According to data cited by Amaero, as of 2019, the aviation industry supported $2.7 trillion in world economic activity (3.6% of global GDP), with the global aerospace and defense market estimated to be valued at US$1600 billion in the year 2025 (COVID-19 permitting), growing at a CAGR of 3.5% in the period 2019 to 2025.
