Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

The objective of this research project is to produce additively manufactured aluminum components by selective laser melting with similar mechanical properties as aluminum high-pressure die-cast (HPDC) parts. Since as printed parts usually present better tensile mechanical properties than die-cast ones, a heat treatment cycle specifically optimized for this application will be looked into in order to reduce these properties. This will allow production of prototype die-cast components for testing in shorter lead times and with less monetary commitment. With this knowledge in hand, Dyna-Tool will be able to provide a faster response to the die-casting industry compared to the usual practices for production of prototypes, as well as having the same bulk mechanical properties. Canada exports many HPDC parts worldwide. Therefore, Dyna-Tool will be able to accelerate the prototyping phase in the die-casting industry, thus increasing the response to the need for many Canadian businesses.