In partnership with Cranfield University and ITP Aero, Alloyed Ltd, based in Oxford, UK, has secured funding to accelerate the development of ABD-1000AM, a high-temperature nickel-based superalloy specifically designed for Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing.

The project, funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme, will focus on advancing the manufacturing readiness level of the material towards the production of next generation jet engines.

“Alloyed have been fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with the ATI in several key technology areas ranging from design of new materials to the development of digital software platforms to support adoption of Additive Manufacturing in the aerospace industry,” stated Dr David Crudden, Chief Metallurgist at Alloyed.

“ABD-1000AM is the world’s highest-temperature nickel-based superalloy designed for additive manufacture,” he continued. “We have identified huge demand for this material and believe it will be a game-changing technology for gas turbines across aerospace propulsion and industrial power generation.”

Alloyed, which originated from Oxford University’s aerospace materials group, specialises in the computational design and optimisation of metallic materials for additive manufacturing and advanced post-processing. Cranfield University will contribute its experience in high-temperature coatings through its National High Temperature Surface Engineering Centre.

The team will develop a protective coating to enhance the superalloy’s performance in jet engine environments.

ITP Aero UK will offer its experience in combustor technology.

Rob Mitchell, director of engineering at ITP Aero UK, stated, “AMRAM is another good example of how partnering across academia, SMEs and industrial partners can directly shape the future of the aerospace industry. We are delighted to support Alloyed and Cranfield University in the pursuit of this enhanced capability for combustor technology.”

“We look forward to working together to discover how this advancement can make a real-life difference to our industry, the technology we are developing today, and the future projects we are focused on for the pioneers of tomorrow,” Mitchell concluded.

Author: Andy Cormack