TCT Asia - Asia 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Exhibition, one of the world's three major professional exhibitions for additive manufacturing, was successfully held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from May 7 to 9, 2024. At this highly anticipated industry event, Aerospace Engineering Equipment (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. (AEE) showcased China’s innovative strength in the field of additive manufacturing to the world with its unique friction stir solid-state additive manufacturing technology and samples.

1.Friction stir solid-state additive manufacturing

Friction stir solid-state additive manufacturing is a revolutionary additive manufacturing technology that utilizes frictional heat to induce plasticization in solid materials, enabling efficient material deposition. This technology has higher deposition efficiency and better material properties compared with traditional additive manufacturing technology, also it uses metal rods as feedstock which significantly reduces the cost of raw material. This technology has significant advantages in manufacturing medium and large-sized components at the centimeter level and above and is especially suitable for manufacturing light metals such as aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys and titanium alloys. It can also achieve additive manufacturing of heterogeneous metals and hard-to-weld metals and provide new methods for the preparation of new materials such as metal matrix composites and functionally graded materials.

2.Additive manufacturing samples and case studies exhibition

AEE showcased multiple samples using this technology at the exhibition, including large-scale aerospace connecting rings, motor cases for military vehicles, high-strength aluminum γ-frames, copper-aluminum battery terminal posts and aluminum/aluminum-copper sputtering targets and various structural specimens made from different series of aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, copper alloys and nickel-based high-temperature alloys. These samples not only demonstrated the unique advantages of this technology but also reflected the strong capabilities in the field of additive manufacturing of AEE. Visitors paused to observe and expressed strong interest in AEE’s technologies and products.

3.Exchange and share for mutual progress

In addition to showcasing samples, AEE also arranged for its professional technical team to engage in in-depth discussions with visitors. The technical team provided detailed explanations for the principles, characteristics and applications of friction stir solid-state additive manufacturing technology, while addressing a wide range of questions raised by visitors. This open approach to communication not only enabled visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the technologies and products of AEE but also established closer connections between AEE and partners from both within and outside the industry.

At the moment, AEE, in collaboration with Institute for the Development and Quality, Macau, has successfully developed three series of additive manufacturing equipment: Friction stir solid-state additive manufacturing workstations, universal solid-state additive equipment and bridge-type moving gantry solid-state additive manufacturing equipment. The equipment features fully automated material in loading and feeding during the additive manufacturing process, achieving seamless connections and continuous deposition between feedstocks. The equipment incorporates real-time monitoring of the temperature, torque and force of tool end, and integrated with force and temperature control sensing functions, which enable closed-loop control of force and torque during additive manufacturing processes, breaking foreign technological monopolies. The equipment also employs a fully self-developed control system and software, it processes functions such as digital model reading and partitioning, printing strategy integration, automatic path planning, automatic G-code programming and digital twin functions, thereby enhancing the product competitiveness. Meanwhile, AEE has developed additive manufacturing processes for materials such as aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, copper alloys and titanium alloys where its aluminum alloy achieves a deposition rate of up to 40kg/h.

Through participating in this exhibition, AEE not only engaged in in-depth exchanges and collaborations with partners from both within and outside the industry, providing more opportunities and possibilities for its development in the field of additive manufacturing, but also gained valuable insights into the latest advancements and emerging trends in global additive manufacturing technologies, providing important references and insights for future development.

In the future, AEE will continue to dedicate to the research and application of friction stir solid-state additive manufacturing technology, promoting its widespread use in the rapid and high-quality production of lightweight alloys. At the same time, AEE will actively participate in various domestic and international industry exhibitions and exchange programs, working with industry colleagues worldwide to jointly promote the innovation and development of additive manufacturing technology.