Material characterization of AISI 316L flexure pivot bearings fabricated by additive manufacturing

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Mirko Riede - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Matthias Knoll - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Christoph Wilsnack - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Samira Gruber - , Institute of Materials Science, Chair of Materials Technology, Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Alba Alegre Cubillo - , RUAG Space Germany GmbH (Author)
  • Christian Melzer - , RUAG Space Germany GmbH (Author)
  • Ana Brandão - , ESTEC - European Space Research and Technology Centre (Author)
  • Laurent Pambaguian - , ESTEC - European Space Research and Technology Centre (Author)
  • André Seidel - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Elena Lopez - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Frank Brueckner - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology, Luleå University of Technology (Author)
  • Christoph Leyens - , Institute of Materials Science, Chair of Materials Technology, Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

Recently, additive manufacturing (AM) by laser metal deposition (LMD) has become a key technology for fabricating highly complex parts without any support structures. Compared to the well-known powder bed fusion process, LMD enhances manufacturing possibilities to overcome AM-specific challenges such as process inherent porosity, minor build rates, and limited part size. Moreover, the advantages aforementioned combined with conventional machining enable novel manufacturing approaches in various fields of applications. Within this contribution, the additive manufacturing of filigree flexure pivots using 316L-Si by means of LMD with powder is presented. Frictionless flexure pivot bearings are used in space mechanisms that require high reliability, accuracy, and technical cleanliness. As a contribution to part qualification, the manufacturing process, powder material, and fabricated specimens were investigated in a comprehensive manner. Due to its major impact on the process, the chemical powder composition was characterized in detail by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Moreover, a profound characterization of the powder morphology and flowability was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and novel rheological investigation techniques. Furthermore, quantitative image analysis, mechanical testing, laser scanning microscopy, and 3D shape measurement of manufactured specimens were conducted. As a result, the gained knowledge was applied for the AM-specific redesign of the flexure pivot. Finally, a qualified flexure pivot has been manufactured in a hybrid manner to subsequently ensure its long-term durability in a lifetime test bench.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number2426
JournalMaterials
Volume12
Issue number15
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2019
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • Additive manufacturing, Flexure pivot, Laser metal deposition, Space application