National Key R&D Program Project Milestone Indicators Pass Verification | Tiangong Powder Metallurgy Tool Steel Accelerates Integrated Die-Casting and High-End 3D Printing
National Key R&D Program Project Milestone Indicators Pass Verification | Tiangong Powder Metallurgy Tool Steel Accelerates Integrated Die-Casting and High-End 3D Printing
On April 26, Jiangsu Tiangong Aihe Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Tiangong International Co., Ltd. (00826.HK), hosted an on-site verification meeting for the project “Key Technologies R&D and Application of Powder Metallurgy and Additive Manufacturing for New Die-Casting Tool Steels” (Project No. 2024YFB3713300), which is part of the national key R&D program “Advanced Structures and Composite Materials.” Following expert review, all six interim assessment indicators passed verification, marking a systematic breakthrough in China’s high-end die material and powder metallurgy key technologies. This achievement not only supports large-scale application of integrated die-casting in new energy vehicles (NEVs) but also provides a critical material foundation for high-end metal 3D printing.
Focus Area 1: NEVs – Solving the “Die Life Bottleneck” in Integrated Die-Casting to Enable Large-Scale Manufacturing
Under the trend of lightweight NEVs, integrated large-scale die-casting is rapidly replacing traditional multi-part welding processes. However, ultra-large die-casting molds are prone to thermal fatigue cracking and erosion failure under high-temperature molten metal impact and severe thermal cycling – making die life a key barrier to industrialization.
To address this core challenge, Tiangong has developed a next-generation die-casting tool steel based on powder metallurgy technology, achieving breakthroughs in microstructure uniformity and material purity. This significantly enhances thermal fatigue resistance and erosion resistance – not only extending die service life but also reducing scrap rates and maintenance costs. It provides critical material support for efficient, low-cost, and stable integrated die-casting in NEV production, accelerating the industry’s move toward large-scale application.
Focus Area 2: Metal 3D Printing – Building a High-End Material Foundation for Additive Manufacturing to Unleash Complex Fabrication Capabilities
In high-end equipment manufacturing, metal additive manufacturing (3D printing) is becoming a key process, with high-performance metal powder being the core foundation for forming quality.
The specialized alloy powder developed under this project achieves high levels of compositional uniformity, sphericity, and flowability – meeting stringent requirements for material consistency and reliability in high-end 3D printing. Combined with near-net-shape technology, which enables one-shot forming of complex structures, it allows conformal cooling channels in mold manufacturing, significantly improving cooling efficiency and product performance.
This outcome not only enhances manufacturing efficiency but also helps transition 3D printing from “feasible” to “efficient and scalable,” accelerating industrial adoption in high-end molds and complex components.
From Technological Breakthrough to Industrial Application – Driving Domestic High-End Materials Toward “Replaceable, Mass-Producible, and Applicable”
Successful verification of these milestones not only reflects Tiangong’s ongoing deep cultivation in powder metallurgy and advanced manufacturing but also marks a transition in China’s high-end die material technology – from following to running alongside or even leading globally.
Going forward, guided by major national R&D projects, Tiangong will continue driving the transfer of key technological achievements into industrial applications, deepening deployment in strategic emerging sectors such as NEVs and additive manufacturing. The company is committed to building an independent and controllable system for high-end materials, providing even stronger material support for China’s high-end manufacturing.