About Us
505AM is a fully integrated engineer and contract manufacturer of metal additive manufacturing products for the aerospace, defense and automotive industries. Additive manufacturing (AM) has become an important and increasingly cost-competitive alternative to many traditional production technologies. To deploy a scalable, sustainable, and future-proof AM capability, 505AM has developed business channels of in-house product engineering and production, and become a resource to outside manufacturers to capitalize on the efficiencies that AM can deliver. The company’s core mission is to support various industries seeking to utilize AM for part production.
Aerospace: The Role of Laser Powder Bed Fusion in Manufacturing
Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is revolutionizing aerospace manufacturing. This additive process enables the production of complex, high-performance components with efficiency and precision, making it a critical technology in aircraft and spacecraft development.
What is Laser Powder Bed Fusion?
LPBF is a metal additive manufacturing process that uses a high-powered laser to selectively fuse fine metal powder, creating parts layer by layer. It allows for intricate geometries, optimized material usage, and excellent mechanical properties, making it particularly valuable in aerospace applications.
Benefits for Aerospace
Weight Reduction
LPBF enables the creation of lightweight structures through lattice designs and topology optimization. Reduced component weight translates directly to improved fuel efficiency and lower operational costs.
Complex Geometries
Traditional machining limits design complexity, while LPBF allows for intricate, high-precision features such as internal cooling channels for turbine blades and aerodynamic components.
Enhanced Material Properties
Aerospace demands materials with high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and strength-to-weight efficiency. LPBF supports alloys such as titanium and Inconel, delivering performance suited to extreme conditions.
Supply Chain Efficiency
On-demand production reduces lead times, minimizes inventory requirements, and simplifies logistics. Components can be manufactured as needed, reducing reliance on extensive supply chains.
Cost-Effectiveness for Low-Volume Production
LPBF is particularly advantageous for custom and low-production-volume parts. By eliminating tooling costs and reducing material waste, it offers a viable solution for specialized aerospace components.
Aerospace Applications
Turbine Blades and Engine Components
LPBF facilitates advanced designs with integrated cooling features, improving efficiency and durability in jet engines.
Structural Supports and Brackets
Lightweight, high-strength components reduce aircraft weight while maintaining necessary mechanical integrity.
Fuel Nozzles
Originally developed using traditional methods, fuel nozzles now benefit from LPBF’s ability to consolidate multiple parts into a single optimized structure.
Satellite and Spacecraft Parts
LPBF supports the manufacture of critical components for space exploration, ensuring durability in extreme environments.
