RUSAL develops a new aluminium alloy for space

Moscow, November 17, 2022 - RUSAL, a leading global aluminium producer, has developed a new aluminium alloy designed for additive technologies.

New aluminium alloy was created by the Institute of Light Materials and Technologies (ILM&T). A distinguishing feature of the material is its high resistance to heat. Thus, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the new alloy is 1.5 times lower than conventional aluminium alloys and corresponds to the CTE of steels and nickel alloys.

The new alloy will be useful for the development of satellite and electronic components that are expected to operate in extreme conditions with high temperature fluctuations.

Traditionally, parts made from this material were produced mechanically due to the low plasticity. Scientists at ILM&T optimized the composition of the alloy and adapted it for 3D printing. This made it possible to obtain an almost identical shape from a digital 3D model, thereby reducing costs and production time.

Previously, parts of the Yarilo satellite were printed on a 3D printer using an aluminium alloy developed by RUSAL. The temperature control housing of the gamma radiation detector was developed at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology and then produced at the ILM&T additive technology center.

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RUSAL develops a new aluminium alloy for space