Rapid fabrication of ion optics by selective laser melting

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 299-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Sangregorio ◽  
Ningfei Wang ◽  
Kan Xie ◽  
Zun Zhang ◽  
Xiaojun Wang
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Lower Surface ◽  
Empirical Method ◽  
Hole Array ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ion Optics ◽  
Wire Cutting

Purpose Traditional ion optics manufacturing processes are complex and costly. The purpose of this paper is to study the feasibility of using selective laser melting (SLM) to produce additively manufactured ion optics. Design/methodology/approach An SLM machine was used to generate Ti6Al4V screen grids. The output was separated through wire cutting from the build platform and studied through a scanning electron microscope. To increase the geometrical accuracy of the original grid, samples consisting of nine-aperture arrays were fabricated with different parameter combinations, increasing the energy density. An empirical method to correlate the energy density applied in the fabrication process with the dimensional accuracy of the hole array positioning was developed through the analysis of multiple samples. Findings The SLM machine generated grids with optimal microstructure, the apertures fell within the specified tolerances and tolerances of slightly less than 10 µm can be guaranteed for the hole array positioning. The grids’ upper surfaces presented good-quality surface finish, and the lower surface quality was acceptable when the wire cutting process that separated the grid from the build platform performed slowly. Regardless of the build strategy, the stresses generated in the separation process caused the warping of the ion optic, so a flattening operation was necessary in all cases. Originality/value This research proved that SLM is a viable solution for ion optics fabrication, faster (less than 24 h) and less expensive (order of US$300) than traditional fabrication methods (with fabrication times from 24 to more than 400 h and costs from US$500 to US$5,000, depending on the material, size and shape).

Analysis of post-processing influence on the geometrical and dimensional accuracy of selective laser melting parts

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1713-1722
Author(s):  
Eduardo Cuesta ◽  
Braulio J. Alvarez ◽  
Pablo Zapico ◽  
Sara Giganto
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Coordinate Measuring Machine ◽  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Sand Blasting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stress Relieving ◽  
Measuring Machine

Purpose This study aims to analyze the effect of the different common post-processes on the geometrical and dimensional accuracy of selective laser melting (SLM) parts. Design/methodology/approach An artefact has been designed including cubic features formed by planar surfaces orientated according to the machine axes, covering all the X-Y area of the working space. The artefact has been analyzed both geometrically (flatness, parallelism) and dimensionally (sizes, distances) from coordinate measuring machine measurement results at three stages, namely, as-built, after sand-blasting and after stress-relieving heat treatment. Findings Results from the SLM machine used in this study lead to smaller parts than the nominal ones. This effect depends on the direction of the evaluated dimension of the parts, i.e. X, Y or Z direction and is differently affected by the sandblasting post-process (average erosion ratio of 68, 54 and 9 µm, respectively), being practically unaltered by the HT applied after. Originality/value This paper shows the influence, from a geometric and dimensional point of view, of two of the most common post-processes used after producing SLM parts, such as sand-blasting and stress-relieving heat treatment, that have not been considered in previous research.

Effect of defocusing distance on the forming quality of inner structure parts manufactured via selective laser melting

2021 ◽  
pp. 095440892110590
Author(s):  
Weipeng Duan ◽  
Meiping Wu ◽  
Jitai Han ◽  
Yiqing Ma ◽  
Peipei Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Roughness ◽  
Energy Density ◽  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Surface Pressure ◽  
Laser Energy ◽  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Laser Energy Density ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Forming Quality

A systematical work was studied to illustrate the influence of defocusing distance on the forming quality of inner structure fabricated by selective laser melting for Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The relationship between defocusing distance and dimensional accuracy, surface roughness as well as flatness was investigated, finite element analysis (FEA) was used to show the temperature distribution. The results show that defocusing distance not only had an impact on laser energy density, but also showed a significant influence on the surface pressure of the metal powder. Smaller defocusing distance (0.0 mm) accompanied with higher molten pool maximum temperature (3262.96°C), powder melting and splashing at the same time. On the contrary, larger defocusing distance leading to unmelted powder and powder bonding, which influences the forming quality of samples. Dimensional accuracy was less affected in 0.0, 1.0, 2.0 mm defocusing distance (5%), but changed dramatically when it is 3.0 mm (22%). In the same condition, similar variation trend of surface roughness (Ra) and flatness was observed, and varying from 5.1 to 27.3 μm and 0.05 to 0.26 mm, respectively. Simultaneously, the bottom surface is less affected, while the other three sides have the opposite situation. Pores and unmelted powder can be seen on the surface, it is the comprehensive effect of laser energy density and surface pressure. It proves that it is feasible to manufacture inner structure by controlling this process parameter during SLM process, the influence mechanism of defocusing distance on forming quality was also illustrated in this work.

Effect of the strut size and tilt angle on the geometric characteristics of selective laser melting AlSi10Mg

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Baopeng Zhang ◽  
Xuesong Han ◽  
Changpeng Chen ◽  
Wenqi Zhang ◽  
Hailong Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Roughness ◽  
Compressive Strength ◽  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Process Parameters ◽  
Tilt Angle ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Optimal Process ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the strut size and tilt angle on the densification behavior, surface roughness and dimensional accuracy of the selective laser melting AlSi10Mg lattice structure was investigated in this study. In this study, the characteristics such as the density, up-skin and down-skin roughness and dimensional accuracy of selective laser melting forming technology manufacturing (SLMed) AlSi10Mg cellular lattice structure were carried. This work reveals the effect of the strut size and tilt angle on the geometric characteristics of SLMed AlSi10Mg and is benefit for controlling the forming performance of the SLMed cellular lattice structure. Design/methodology/approach Based on AlSi10Mg powder, the influence of the tilt angle changed from 10° to 45° with an increment of 5° were investigated, the influence of the strut size was varied from 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm with an increment of 0.2 mm were investigated. The characteristics such as the density, up-skin and down-skin roughness, dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties of SLM-ed AlSi10Mg cellular lattice structure was carried. Findings Greater than 99% relative density can be achieved for different strut size when optimal process parameters are used. In the optimized process interval, the struts with a tilt angle of 10° can still be formed well, which is higher than the design limit of the inclined angle given in the related literature. The tilt angle has a significant effect on the surface roughness of the strut. The microhardness reached to 157 ± 3 HV, and the maximum compressive strength was 58.86 MPa, with the optimal process parameters. Originality/value In this study, the characteristics such as the density, up-skin and down-skin roughness and dimensional accuracy of SLMed AlSi10Mg cellular lattice structure were carried. With the optimal geometric parameters, the authors tested microhardness and compressive strength of the cellular lattice structure. The results of this study provide theoretical and experimental basis for the realization of high-quality manufacturing and optimization design of aluminum alloy cellular lattice structure, which will meet more diversified industrial needs.

scholarly journals Fabrication of Mesh Patterns Using a Selective Laser-Melting Process

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1922 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tae Woo Hwang ◽  
Young Yun Woo ◽  
Sang Wook Han ◽  
Young Hoon Moon
Keyword(s):  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Base Plate ◽  
Steel Powder ◽  
Melting Process ◽  
304 Stainless Steel ◽  
Process Conditions ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Metal Mesh

The selective laser-melting (SLM) process can be applied to the additive building of complex metal parts using melting metal powder with laser scanning. A metal mesh is a common type of metal screen consisting of parallel rows and intersecting columns. It is widely used in the agricultural, industrial, transportation, and machine protection sectors. This study investigated the fabrication of parts containing a mesh pattern from the SLM of AISI 304 stainless steel powder. The formation of a mesh pattern has a strong potential to increase the functionality and cost-effectiveness of the SLM process. To fabricate a single-layered thin mesh pattern, laser layering has been conducted on a copper base plate. The high thermal conductivity of copper allows heat to pass through it quickly, and prevents the adhesion of a thin laser-melted layer. The effects of the process conditions such as the laser scan speed and scanning path on the size and dimensional accuracy of the fabricated mesh patterns were characterized. As the analysis results indicate, a part with a mesh pattern was successfully obtained, and the application of the proposed method was shown to be feasible with a high degree of reliability.

scholarly journals Selective laser melting for improving quality characteristics of a prism shaped topology injection mould tool insert for the automotive industry

2021 ◽  
pp. 095440622198938
Author(s):  
Mennatallah F El Kashouty ◽  
Allan EW Rennie ◽  
Mootaz Ghazy ◽  
Ahmed Abd El Aziz
Keyword(s):  
Surface Roughness ◽  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Injection Moulding ◽  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Quality Characteristics ◽  
Surface Topology ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Injection Mould ◽  
Tool Insert

Manufacturing process constraints and design complexities are the main challenges that face the aftermarket automotive industry. For that reason, recently, selective laser melting (SLM) is being recognised as a viable approach in the fabrication of injection moulding tool inserts. Due to its versatility, SLM technology is capable of producing freeform designs. For the first reported time, in this study SLM is recognized for its novel application in overcoming fabrication complexities for prism shaped topology of a vehicle headlamp’s reflector injection moulding tool insert. Henceforth, performance measures of the SLM-fabricated injection mould tool insert is assessed in comparison to a CNC-milled counterpart to improve quality characteristics. Tests executed and detailed in this paper are divided into two stages; the first stage assesses both fabricated tool inserts in terms of manufacturability; the second stage assesses the functionality of the end-products by measuring the surface roughness, dimensional accuracy and light reflectivity from the vehicle reflectors. The results obtained show that employing SLM technology can offer an effective and efficient alternative to subtractive manufacturing, successfully producing tool inserts with complex surface topology. Significant benefits in terms of surface roughness, dimensional accuracy and product functionality were achieved through the use of SLM technology. it was concluded that the SLM-fabricated inserts products proved to have relatively lower values of surface roughness in comparison to their CNC counterparts.

Benchmark test artifacts for selective laser melting – a critical review

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weishi Li ◽  
Kuanting Wang ◽  
Shiaofen Fang
Keyword(s):  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
High Surface ◽  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Melting Process ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Specific Test ◽  
Benchmark Test ◽  
High Surface Quality ◽  
Machine Performance

Background: Selective laser melting is the best-established additive manufacturing technology for high-quality metal part manufacturing. However, the widespread acceptance of the technology is still underachieved, especially in critical applications, due to the absence of a thorough understanding of the technology, although several benchmark test artifacts have been developed to characterize the performance of selective laser melting machines. Objective: The objective of this paper is to inspire new designs of benchmark test artifacts to understand the selective laser melting process better and promote the acceptance of the selective laser melting technology. Method: The existing benchmark test artifacts for selective laser melting are analyzed comparatively, and the design guidelines are discussed. Results: The modular approach should still be adopted in designing new benchmark test artifacts in the future, and task-specific test artifacts may also need to be considered further to validate the machine performance for critical applications. The inclusion of the design model in the manufactured artifact, instead of the conformance to the design specifications, should be evaluated after the artifact is measured for the applications requiring high-dimensional accuracy and high surface quality. Conclusion: The benchmark test artifact for selective laser melting is still under development, and a breakthrough of the measuring technology for internal and/or inaccessible features will be beneficial for understanding the technology.

Deformations and stresses prediction of cantilever structures fabricated by selective laser melting process

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 453-464
Author(s):  
Lan Li ◽  
Tan Pan ◽  
Xinchang Zhang ◽  
Yitao Chen ◽  
Wenyuan Cui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Residual Stress ◽  
Residual Stresses ◽  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Thermal Distortion ◽  
Cantilever Beams ◽  
Support Structures ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Validation Experiments

Purpose During the powder bed fusion process, thermal distortion is one big problem owing to the thermal stress caused by the high cooling rate and temperature gradient. For the purpose of avoiding distortion caused by internal residual stresses, support structures are used in most selective laser melting (SLM) process especially for cantilever beams because they can assist the heat dissipation. Support structures can also help to hold the work piece in its place and reduce volume of the printing materials. The mitigation of high thermal gradients during the manufacturing process helps to reduce thermal distortion and thus alleviate cracking, curling, delamination and shrinkage. Therefore, this paper aims to study the displacement and residual stress evolution of SLMed parts. Design/methodology/approach The objective of this study was to examine and compare the distortion and residual stress properties of two cantilever structures, using both numerical and experimental methods. The part-scale finite element analysis modeling technique was applied to numerically analyze the overhang distortions, using the layer-by-layer model for predicting a part scale model. The validation experiments of these two samples were built in a SLM platform. Then average displacement of the four tip corners and residual stress on top surface of cantilever beams were tested to validate the model. Findings The validation experiments results of average displacement of the four tip corners and residual stress on top surface of cantilever beams were tested to validate the model. It was found that they matched well with each other. From displacement and residual stress standpoint, by introducing two different support structure, two samples with the same cantilever beam can be successfully printed. In terms of reducing wasted support materials, print time and high surface quality, sample with less support will need less post-processing and waste energy. Originality/value Numerical modeling in this work can be a very useful tool to parametrically study the feasibility of support structures of SLM parts in terms of residual stresses and deformations. It has the capability for fast prediction in the SLMed parts.

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