Reclamation Information Sharing Environment (RISE)

Additive manufacturing can provide an advantage over traditional manufacturing methods in situations where production of parts is limited (custom fabrication), or where parts are complex and/or challenging to manufacture using traditional methods. Engineers at Reclamation’s Technical Service Center evaluated material properties of the printed test parts to compare with published data for a wrought or cast part of similar composition. In addition, three case studies involving parts of various sizes and functions were undertaken. Powder bed fusion processes using either 316L or AlSi10Mg produced a high-quality finish with acceptable mechanical properties. The case study phase of this project yielded mixed results; printed log boom anchors were deemed successful whereas the governor parts and slinger rings provided an opportunity for lessons learned. The results of this project suggest that 3D metal printing is viable and, in very specific situations, may be appropriate for producing small parts for use at Reclamation facilities. Part selection is a significant determinant of a successful and economically sound project.