Research of Magnesium Alloys for Additive Manufacturing of Structural and Biocompatible Parts
The ReMaP project is funded by the INTERREG program Austria - Czech Republic.
The Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology - Austria's largest research and technology organization – is conducting research on novel lightweight materials for additive manufacturing technologies in the ReMaP project together with the University of Brno and the Fachhochschule Wels. Compared to the conventional, subtractive approach to component manufacturing, 3D printing with light metals has enormous potential, especially in terms of cost and resource efficiency - particularly with regard to the drastic shortening of manufacturing and product development cycles and the reduction of the necessary material input.
The focus of the three-year project is on the development of novel magnesium alloys for future 3D printing applications in lightweight construction and medical technology. For the experimental investigation of these innovative materials, two representative additive manufacturing technologies are used, which currently represent the cutting edge of technological development.
The aim of the ReMaP project is to demonstrate the potential of the lightweight construction material magnesium in implementation by means of the future technology 3D printing.
By combining novel, high-performance materials with innovative production technologies, it is possible to manufacture products that were previously impossible to produce using conventional methods – for example, complex, lightweight structural components for the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as biodegradable medical implants that are individually adapted to the human body.
The results are promising: It has already been possible to produce and process materials that are clearly superior to the materials used to date in terms of mechanical stability and cost efficiency. In addition, the partners were able to demonstrate and establish the entire process chain - from alloy development to production and processing in the Central European region.
The project lays a decisive foundation for establishing a regional competence axis at the heart of the program area for European issues of the future (climate protection through lightweight construction, aging society), which will be a leader in international comparison.
