Nippon Light Metal has filed a patent for an aluminum molded body with high thermal conductivity and strength, produced through an additive manufacturing method. The body contains 0.001-2.5% transition metal element forming a eutectic with Al, achieving a thermal conductivity of 180 W/mK or higher. GlobalData’s report on Nippon Light Metal gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Nippon Light Metal, UAV battery thermal mgmt was a key innovation area identified from patents. Nippon Light Metal's grant share as of January 2024 was 18%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

High thermal conductivity aluminum molded body with high strength

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Nippon Light Metal Holdings Co Ltd

A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20240035122A1) describes an innovative aluminum molded body produced through an additive manufacturing method. The aluminum material used contains 0.001 to 2.5% by mass of a transition metal element that forms a eutectic crystal with aluminum, resulting in a thermal conductivity of 180 W/mK or more. The compound composed of aluminum and the transition metal element in the body has an average particle size of 20 to 100 nm, contributing to a thermal conductivity of 190 W/mK or more. Additionally, the Vickers hardness of the aluminum molded body falls within the range of 30 to 90 HV, with minimal decrease when subjected to high temperatures.

Furthermore, the patent outlines a method for producing the aluminum molded body, involving a lamination molding step and a heat treatment step. The lamination molding step utilizes an aluminum material with the specified composition to create an aluminum laminated molded body, while the subsequent heat treatment step involves holding the body at a specific temperature range to precipitate the compound and reduce residual stress. The transition metal element mentioned in the method is primarily iron (Fe), contributing to the unique properties of the aluminum molded body. This method ensures that the final product meets specific mechanical requirements, including tensile strength, proof stress, and elongation, making it suitable for various applications.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies