Automotive companies around the world are deploying in the field of 3D printing. Ford Global Technology Co., Ltd. is the patent management and copyright department of Ford Motor Company. On August 21, 2018, Antarctic Bear learned from foreign media that the company has submitted an application , Details the method of manufacturing light brake discs using 3D printing.
The method described in this patent uses laser deposition welding technology, a technology similar to laser metal deposition (LMD), which enables new materials to be printed onto prefabricated substrates.
Hybrid lightweight brake disc and production method
Forefront of innovation
For years, Ford has been committed to the forefront of innovation, investing a lot of time and money in developing and adopting additive manufacturing processes. As early as 2015, the company participated in the Carbon 3D CLIP 3D printing technology early access program, and Ford also owns Stratasys equipment.
The company recently elevated Jim Hackett, Ford's smart mobile boss, to chief executive officer for advanced manufacturing, and invested $ 65 million in Massachusetts 3D printer maker Desktop Metal in early 2018.
Reinvent the wheel
Brake discs are usually made of cast iron and machined into the desired structure. However, Ford is looking to use aluminum to make brake discs, which has the potential to reduce its weight by 50%.
However, "this type of brake disc" as detailed in the patent application has significant disadvantages.
"On the one hand, compared to gray cast iron materials, aluminum alloys do not have the necessary wear resistance, and the melting point of aluminum alloys is also below 650 ° C."
In a typical automatic motor and movement (AMS) test, repeated braking operations can generate temperatures in excess of 750 ° C, which liquefy the all-aluminum brake discs. Therefore, aluminum needs to be modified.
As the inventor states: "During the melt metallurgy establishment of friction rings by using a laser deposition welding process or a 3D printing process, the rapidly solidified aluminum alloy in powder form maintains its advantageous mechanical properties. In this way, for example, it is possible The high level of thermal stability and the high level of abrasion resistance of the friction ring eliminates the need for a post-coating of the friction ring. "
Full hybrid lightweight brake disc and production method
Ford's "hybrid lightweight brake discs and production methods" were submitted on January 20, 2017.