UC Rusal and Sauer GmbH, a member of DMG MORI, a worldwide leading manufacturer of metal-cutting machine tools, signed an MOU to develop the 3D printing technology for industrial use of aluminum and aluminum alloys. According to the agreement, the 3D printing technology will be used to print aluminum parts applied by customers in the machinery-producing, aerospace, and automotive sectors.
As part of the arrangement, Rusal will develop aluminium alloys for the conversion into powders, which will then be tested and qualified by Sauer equipment. The parties will also perform joint assessments of the quality of aluminum, aluminum alloys, and powders produced for 3D printing. Sauer will also provide the necessary equipment and support the setup of new production, as well as promoting the products produced using the new technology among its own customers.
“The key benefit of 3D printing technology is its ability to make industrial parts of any shape and complexity that cannot be produced using conventional means,” said Alexey Arnautov, Rusal’s director for New Projects. “With this technology, we can produce unique prototypes over a very short period of time. Also, the technology is practically waste-free. Rusal is very strong in R&D and manufacturing in aluminum powders, and by combining our efforts with DGM MORI, the largest manufacturer of hybrid 3D additive manufacturing machines in the world, to expand industrial use of the 3D technology, we hope to become a leading global player in this sector,