As highlighted by AZoM in their article “Advancing Hydraulic Solutions with Additive Manufacturing,” hydraulic systems are renowned for their ability to efficiently produce large forces with high precision. However, integrating additive manufacturing (AM) into hydraulic systems has historically faced challenges, particularly related to internal pressure containment and material fatigue.
Additive manufacturing, though innovative, initially posed risks such as layer delamination and cracking due to high internal pressures. These issues were especially concerning for hydraulic components, which must endure significant pressurization and depressurization cycles. Earlier AM components were relatively brittle, making them susceptible to fatigue and the propagation of cracks over time.
Recent advancements in AM technology have addressed many of these concerns. Modern solutions now include the use of stronger materials that better tolerate hoop stress, significantly reducing the risk of cracking and fatigue failure. Additionally, new techniques help prevent layer delamination, ensuring the integrity of 3D-printed hydraulic components.
Aidro, a leader in the field, now creates 3D-printed stainless steel hydraulic components capable of withstanding internal pressures up to 350 times the average atmospheric pressure. These advancements allow them to leverage the benefits of AM, such as the ability to create complex geometries more efficiently than traditional machining methods.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of azom.com
