Result description
The demonstrators produced within the project by GKN and RHP have been tested, and they succesfully satisfy the requirements in terms of fatigue tests. A weight and volume reduction of about 40% has been obtained. A preliminary analysis on the raw materials AM4630 L-PBF and 17-4PH PMD with different treatments and finishing has been performed, both satisfy the mechanical properties requirements and the 17-4PH heat treated with PMD process is the one with highest fatigue properties. Therefore, for this solution some further volume reduction could be implemented. In terms of LCA, the environmental susteinability of the cast iron component beats the addidtive manufacturing ones. One of the aspect is the production rate and the total number of produced parts with casting process respect to an additive manufacturing one. The PM components represent the 4% of the powertrain weight, one possible way to exploit the results could be the introduction of additive manufacturing components to replace some of the PM components already in use, with a consistent weight reduction and iso performances.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- We are sharing our knowledge
Needing testing campain with larger number of components (>100) for pre-omologation accessment
- Others/ No specific audience
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
The testing campain should be enlarged in number of parts and testing types
The bench tests performed are replicable at any time. Therefore by testing the same two kinds of demonstrators produced with L-PBF and PMD we will obtain the same results.
Result submitted to Horizon Results Platform by CENTRO RICERCHE FIAT SCPA