Norsk Titanium (Norsk), the global leader in additive manufacturing of aerospace-grade titanium components, and SAE International (SAE) released the first specifications for direct energy deposition additive manufacturing.

The specifications utilize Norsk’s Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) process and material requirements, which are currently used by many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). With the release of the SAE Aerospace Materials Specifications (AMS) documents the process will be available to a broader base of users across the world.

Developed within the SAE Additive Manufacturing Committee (SAE AMS-AM), these specifications establish the minimum basis required for the procurement of RPD Preforms from Norsk by an aerospace or non-aerospace customer. In addition, these specifications support the regulatory certification process by ensuring consistent process and quality control.

The release of AMS7004 Titanium Alloy Preforms from Plasma Arc Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing on Substrate Ti-6Al-4V Stress Relieved and AMS7005 Wire Fed Plasma Arc Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing Process are milestone achievements for the metal additive manufacturing industry.

Given that advanced materials and advanced manufacturing are strategic focus areas for SAE International, we continue to support the aerospace industry’s advances and adoption of additive manufacturing technologies. As well as contributing vital technical expertise, Norsk Titanium played a leadership role as document sponsor in the development of the groundbreaking new specifications and along with the other AMS-AM output, these new material and process specifications help address the regulatory authorities’ request for guidance material for this critical emerging technology.

—David Alexander, Director, Aerospace Standards at SAE International

Established by aerospace industry leaders in 2015 and supported by a Federal Aviation Administration tasking request, SAE’s AMS-AM Committee continues to develop aerospace material specifications (SAE AMS) for metal and polymer AM to support the needs of the aerospace industry. More than 500 global participants from more than 20 countries representing aircraft, spacecraft, and engine OEMs, material suppliers, operators, equipment/system suppliers, service providers, regulatory authorities, and defense agencies are involved in the committee.