A hybrid method of surface hardening metallic components using a combination of chemical modification achieved through additive manufacturing and/or diffusion-based processing with transformation-based processing using a high energy density heat source. The hybrid process results in increased surface hardness and/or increased average case hardness and/or increased case depth compared to either treatment individually.

The present invention relates to a 3D-printed cobalt-based alloy product comprising carbon, tungsten and chromium with very good mechanical and thermal properties as well as a method of preparing the 3D-printed product and a powder alloy. The alloy has a high carbon content leading to high carbide content but small and evenly distributed carbides. A method facilitating 3D printing of high carbide content alloys such as the present alloy is also disclosed.

The present invention relates to a 3D-printed cobalt-based alloy product comprising carbon, tungsten and chromium with very good mechanical and thermal properties as well as a method of preparing the 3D-printed product and a powder alloy. The alloy has a high carbon content leading to high carbide content but small and evenly distributed carbides. A method facilitating 3D printing of high carbide content alloys such as the present alloy is also disclosed.

An alloy formed of aluminum, nickel, scandium and optionally one, two or more further metals. The aluminum alloy is suitable for additive manufacturing of lightweight highly thermally conductive components for aircraft, such as heat exchangers. In a first step, a powder of the described aluminum alloy is produced by additive manufacturing, such as laser melting in the L-PBF process. Large grains are able to grow epitaxially along the build direction thereby increasing phonon and electron mobility along the build direction. With this, a higher thermal conductivity can be achieved. In a second step, the preliminary part is hardened by precipitation of secondary phases at 250 to 400 C to form the hardened part. 3D-printed lightweight parts with high thermal conductivity are obtained.

An alloy formed of aluminum, nickel, scandium and optionally one, two or more further metals. The aluminum alloy is suitable for additive manufacturing of lightweight highly thermally conductive components for aircraft, such as heat exchangers. In a first step, a powder of the described aluminum alloy is produced by additive manufacturing, such as laser melting in the L-PBF process. Large grains are able to grow epitaxially along the build direction thereby increasing phonon and electron mobility along the build direction. With this, a higher thermal conductivity can be achieved. In a second step, the preliminary part is hardened by precipitation of secondary phases at 250 to 400 C to form the hardened part. 3D-printed lightweight parts with high thermal conductivity are obtained.

A pre-alloyed powder having a composition consisting of, in weight % (wt. %): C, 0.02-0.04; Si, 0.1-0.4; Mn, 0.1-0.5; Cr, 11-13; Ni, 7-10; Cr+Ni, 19-23; Mo, 1-25; Al, 1.4-2.0; N, 0.01-0.75. Optionally, the pre-alloyed powder contains: Cu, 0.05-2.5; B, 0.002-2.0; S, 0.01-0.25; Nb, 0.01 max; Ti, 2 max; Zr, 2, max; Ta, 2 max; Hf, 2 max; Y, 2 max; Ca, 0.0003-0.009; Mg, 0.01 max; O, 0.003-0.80; and REM, 0.2 max. Fe and impurities comprise the balance.

An apparatus is disclosed to create a breakaway junction for 3D printed parts. Powder is spread along a target zone, such as a build bed. A liquid functional agent is selectively dispensed upon the powder to form a 3D object, a supporting part, and the breakaway junction between them.

An apparatus is disclosed to create a breakaway junction for 3D printed parts. Powder is spread along a target zone, such as a build bed. A liquid functional agent is selectively dispensed upon the powder to form a 3D object, a supporting part, and the breakaway junction between them.

In some examples, a liquid precursor vaporizer comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a first vaporizer core, the first vaporizer core including a plurality of nested cells defining a plurality of tortuous paths through which a liquid precursor can pass in a path between the inlet and the outlet of the liquid precursor vaporizer.

In some examples, a liquid precursor vaporizer comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a first vaporizer core, the first vaporizer core including a plurality of nested cells defining a plurality of tortuous paths through which a liquid precursor can pass in a path between the inlet and the outlet of the liquid precursor vaporizer.