AlSc Alloy Blasting Medium for Al Mg Component Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Components made of aluminum (Al) or magnesium (Mg) alloys, particularly those produced via powder melting or sintering processes, face contamination and corrosion issues due to the use of blasting agents that differ from the component material, leading to additional cleaning efforts and potential strength problems.

Innovation Solution

A blasting medium comprising particles of an AlSc alloy with a size of 45 μm or more, which is chemically inert and similar to the component material, reducing contamination and corrosion risks, and can be reused after sieving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional blasting agents (sand, corundum, ceramics, gravel, iron alloys) are used to clean Al and/or Mg components, then the cleaning function is achieved, but contamination and corrosion problems occur due to material differences between the blasting agent and component

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcontamination and corrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies homogeneity by using a blasting agent made of AlSc alloy that matches the base material of the component (Al or Mg alloy). This material similarity ensures that the blasting process cleans the surface without introducing foreign contamination or causing galvanic corrosion, as the blasting agent particles are chemically compatible with the component material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material composition parameter of the blasting agent from conventional materials (sand, corundum, ceramics) to a specific AlSc alloy composition. This parameter change enables the blasting agent to be chemically inert toward Al and Mg components while maintaining effective cleaning capability through controlled abrasion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If blasting agents that differ from component material are used, then cleaning function is provided, but additional cleaning steps and strength problems arise due to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidadditional cleaning steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By using an AlSc alloy blasting agent that is materially similar to the component, the patent eliminates the need for subsequent cleaning steps to remove foreign contamination. The homogeneous material composition ensures that no additional cleaning operations are required, saving time and maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

3Ease of manufacture

If high-strength alloys like AlMgSc are blasted with foreign material, then surface cleaning is achieved, but chemical stress and strength problems occur due to abrasion with foreign alloy material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface cleaningVSAvoidcomponent strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an AlSc alloy blasting agent that matches the high-strength AlMgSc component material, ensuring that abrasion during blasting does not introduce chemically stressful foreign materials. This material compatibility preserves the component's strength properties while achieving effective surface cleaning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

The AlSc alloy blasting agent creates a chemically inert blasting environment toward Al and Mg components. The alloy composition is specifically chosen to be chemically compatible, preventing galvanic corrosion and chemical stress that would otherwise occur with foreign material blasting agents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The AlSc alloy blasting medium effectively cleans and smooths the surface of Al and Mg components without causing chemical stress, reducing the need for additional cleaning steps and enhancing the component's strength and surface finish.

Implementation Method 1

the component is blasted with a blasting agent which comprises an AlSc alloy, the blasting agent comprising particles of the AlSc alloy with a size of 45 μm or more

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP3546125B1Aluminium-scandium alloy containing blasting material for blast cleaning of body containing al and/or mg
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH
  • EP3546125B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to an abrasive for blasting a component, wherein the component comprises Al and/or Mg, in particular an Al and/or Mg alloy, a method for blasting a component, wherein the component comprises Al and/or Mg, in particular an Al and/or Mg alloy, and a method for producing an abrasive.