Effect of preheat and layer thickness on selective laser melting (SLM) of magnesium

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Mahesh Savalani ◽  
Jorge Martinez Pizarro
Keyword(s):  
Layer Thickness ◽  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
High Surface ◽  
Pulse Mode ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Electronic Microscope ◽  
Quality Surface

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of preheat and layer thickness in selective laser melting (SLM) of magnesium using pulse mode. Magnesium has been considered as a new generation of implant materials which are bioactive and biodegradable for orthopaedic applications. Design/methodology/approach – To produce optimal single magnesium tracks to compare the effect of layer thickness and preheat, different laser parameters were investigated. The analysis was made based on digital and electronic microscope images and mechanical measurements. Findings – Improvements in the magnesium tracks due to preheating were successfully achieved. The analysis shows better bonding to the surface. The preheated tracks present an improvement in quality surface: smoother and flatter surfaces are discovered for the low layer thicknesses. When the thickness increases, the surface was disrupted and presented high surface roughness values. These were attributed to the Marangoni convection. Originality/value – This study continues valuing the fabrication of magnesium with SLM. It shows the improvements of preheat and effect of different layer thicknesses on the part properties.

Porosity content control of CoCrMo and titanium parts by Taguchi method applied to selective laser melting process parameter

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Joguet ◽  
Sophie Costil ◽  
Hanlin Liao ◽  
Yoann Danlos
Keyword(s):  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Melting Process ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Huge Number ◽  
Energy Estimation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Potential Applications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper consists in the optimization and understanding of the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) manufacturing process of biomaterials, such as T40 and CoCrMo, as scaffolds. Moreover, process optimization is also challenging, with regards to the huge number of parameters and their influence on the finished product. Design/methodology/approach – The paper opted for an exploratory study using Taguchi analysis method to precisely identify the most relevant parameters and justify the energy estimation. Findings – The study showed that SLM fits perfectly with the T40 and CoCrMo part manufacturing. This method allowed to have a complete overview of all the potential applications of SLM for implant manufacturing. Originality/value – With this research approach, the results may be generalized to other material and showed a good theoretical approach.

scholarly journals Selective laser melting of Ti6Al7Nb with hydroxyapatite addition

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teodora Marcu ◽  
Cinzia Menapace ◽  
Luca Girardini ◽  
Dan Leordean ◽  
Catalin Popa
Keyword(s):  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Laser Power ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Medical Applications ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Scanning Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Processing Times ◽  
Scanning Electron

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to obtain by means of selective laser melting and then characterize biocomposites of medical-grade Ti6Al7Nb with hydroxyapatite (2 and 5 vol.%) and without hydroxyapatite, as reference. Design/methodology/approach – Rectangular samples were manufactured with the same scanning strategy; the laser power was between 50 W and 200 W. Processed samples were analysed by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and microhardness. Findings – The results showed that despite the very short processing times, hydroxyapatite decomposed and interacted with the base Ti6Al7Nb material. The decomposition degree was found to depend on the applied laser power. From the porosity and bulk microstructure point of view, the most appropriate materials for the purposed medical applications were Ti6Al7Nb with hydroxyapatite processed with a laser power of 50 W. Originality/value – The originality of the present work consists in the study of the behaviour and interaction of hydroxyapatite additive with the Ti6Al7Nb base powder under selective laser melting conditions, as depending on the applied laser power.

Selective laser melting (SLM) of pure gold for manufacturing dental crowns

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 471-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mushtaq Khan ◽  
Phill Dickens
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Layer Thickness ◽  
Surface Quality ◽  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
Pure Gold ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dental Crowns ◽  
Suitable Processing

Purpose – This paper aims to present the application aspect of the work to manufacturing premolar and molar dental crowns by selective laser melting (SLM) of pure gold. Over the years different metals have been processed using laser-based Additive Manufacturing processes, but very little work has been published on the SLM of gold (Au). Previously published work presented suitable processing parameters for SLM of pure gold. Design/methodology/approach – Suitable processing parameters were used to manufacture premolar and molar dental crowns using SLM system. Different layer thickness was used to analyse the effect on surface quality of crowns. Mechanical properties are checked using nanoindentation and micro Computerized Tomography scanning. Findings – Dental crowns were successfully manufacturing using new build platform and suitable processing parameters. Parts were manufacturing using minimal supports which prevented parts from damaging during removal. A bed temperature of 100°C was found suitable for reducing warpage in the layers. Layer thickness of 50μm was found to have better surface quality and structural integrity as compared to 75μm. Porosity was found to be predominantly inter-layer. Small difference in mechanical properties of dental crowns is associated with the laser processing. Originality/value – This research is the first of its kind which presents dental crown manufacturing using SLM of pure gold.

scholarly journals Optimising the process parameters of selective laser melting for the fabrication of Ti6Al4V alloy

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 150-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhonghua Li ◽  
Ibrahim Kucukkoc ◽  
David Z. Zhang ◽  
Fei Liu
Keyword(s):  
Surface Roughness ◽  
Surface Quality ◽  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Process Parameters ◽  
High Surface ◽  
Optimum Process ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Vertical Side ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Surface roughness is an important evaluation index for industrial components, and it strongly depends on the processing parameters for selective laser molten Ti6Al4V parts. This paper aims to obtain an optimum selective laser melting (SLM) parameter set to improve the surface roughness of Ti6Al4V samples. Design/methodology/approach A response surface methodology (RSM)-based approach is proposed to improve the surface quality of selective laser molten Ti6Al4V parts and understand the relationship between the SLM process parameters and the surface roughness. The main SLM parameters (i.e. laser power, scan speed and hatch spacing) are optimized, and Ti6Al4V parts are manufactured by the SLM technology with no post processes. Findings Optimum process parameters were obtained using the RSM method to minimise the roughness of the top and vertical side surfaces. Obtained parameter sets were evaluated based on their productivity and surface quality performance. The validation tests have been performed, and the results verified the effectivity of the proposed technique. It was also shown that the top and vertical sides must be handled together to obtain better top surface quality. Practical implications The obtained optimum SLM parameter set can be used in the manufacturing of Ti6Al4V components with high surface roughness requirement. Originality/value RSM is used to analyse and determine the optimal combination of SLM parameters with the aim of improving the surface roughness quality of Ti6Al4V components, for the first time in the literature. Also, this is the first study which aims to simultaneously optimise the surface quality of top and vertical sides of titanium alloys.

Densification behavior of 316L-NiB stainless steel powder and surface morphology during selective laser melting process using pulsed Nd:YAG laser

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena Stašić ◽  
Dušan Božić
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Layer Thickness ◽  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Laser Power ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Favorable Effect ◽  
Powder Layer ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hcl Solution

Purpose This paper aims to report the production of 316L-1 Wt.% NiB cubes by using the selective laser melting (SLM) process. The laser used was pulsed, millisecond Nd:YAG system with maximum average power 100 W. Design/methodology/approach Densification under different processing conditions (pulse energy, average laser power, laser scan speed, powder layer thickness, pulse frequency) was investigated. Morphology, macro and microstructure of laser melted samples were characterized by digital camera images and by scanning electron microscope. Density of the cubes was determined by Archimedes method in water. Vickers microhardness of samples was determined under the load of 25 g. Corrosion behavior of 316L and 316L-NiB samples was conducted in 5 per cent HCl solution at the testing temperature of 20°C during 240 h. Findings Using laser power of ∼60-70 W, lower beam overlap and powder layer thickness of 200 µm, 3D cubical samples were obtained with significant balling in individual layers and an overall porosity being around 30 per cent. By increasing laser power to ∼80 W, with higher beam overlap and lower powder layer thickness of 100 µm, SLM parts with no balling and the presence of small pores of up to 4 per cent (20 Hz) and 9 per cent (40 Hz) were obtained. With further increase of laser power to 90 W, overall porosity rose to around 12 per cent. The addition of 1 Wt.% NiB to stainless steel negligibly lowered its corrosion resistance in 5 per cent HCl solution. Originality/value A part from 316L stainless steel with balling-free structure and good density was successfully obtained through pulsed-SLM process with the aid of 1 Wt.% of NiB addition. Aside from significant influence on the improved structure of cubes, NiB had a favorable effect on microhardness values while practically not affecting the corrosion resistivity of the base material in an aggressive surrounding.

Experimental and statistical analysis on process parameters and surface roughness relationship for selective laser melting of Hastelloy X

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 1309-1318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Tian ◽  
Dacian Tomus ◽  
Aijun Huang ◽  
Xinhua Wu
Keyword(s):  
Surface Roughness ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Layer Thickness ◽  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Skin Surface ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Hastelloy X ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Inclined Angle

Purpose Selective laser melting (SLM) process is an additive manufacturing method that uses computer-aided design to fabricate complex components layer-by-layer. Surface roughness is one of the primary drawbacks of SLM process; hence, the purpose of this paper is to present a parametric study and optimisation of fundamental parameters, including scan power, speed, inclined angle and layer thickness on surface roughness during selective laser melting of Hastelloy X. Design/methodology/approach Parametric significance on surface finish was analysed using analysis of variance and response surface methodology. General agreement between predicted and measured values was achieved. Surface characteristics of both up-skin and down-skin with various angles were covered within the investigated range. Findings Both experimental and statistical analysis showed that surface roughness of up-skin was primarily influenced by scan power, inclined angle and layer thickness while down-skin was more affected by the former two factors. Melt pool shape and staircase size were found to determine the up-skin surface, whereas attached particles were responsible for down-skin surface roughness. Originality/value As per our understanding, this manuscript provides valuable insight into the surface quality problem of SLM, which is a very critical issue for up-grading the process for manufacturing real components. This manuscript helps promote improved knowledge and understanding of the attributes and capabilities of this rapidly evolving 3D printing technology. Moreover, it establishes usable processing window and helps obtain optimal conditions, thus offering useful information to professionals working in this field. By combining experiments with statistical analysis, both practice and theory relevant to SLM process are further developed.

Research on the microstructure and properties of the overhanging structure formed by selective laser melting

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 904-910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianfeng Sun ◽  
Zhou Yang ◽  
Yongqiang Yang ◽  
Di Wang
Keyword(s):  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Basic Data ◽  
Theoretical Studies ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Structure Matrix ◽  
Microstructure And Properties ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Matrix

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the different between matrix and overhanging structure and indicate the laws and mechanism of overhanging structure formed by selective laser melting (SLM). Design/methodology/approach This paper includes processing the matrix and overhanging structure with optimized parameters and analyzing the microstructure and properties of matrix and overhanging with OM, SEM, XRD etc. so as to analyze and reveal the laws and mechanism of overhanging structure formed by SLM. Findings The solidification of overhanging structure begins from the structure’s edge and extends to its center; the distribution of the Cr with a diameter of 250 nm in the Fe matrix is uniform; the grain in the overhanging structure is growing faster than the grain in the matrix. The overhanging structure mainly composed by austenite has no apparent layer. Moreover, the microhardness of the overhanging structure is 258.6-294.0 Hv0.3, smaller than the microhardness of the matrix which is 236.4-300.9 Hv0.3. Originality/value This paper clarifies how to manufacture overhanging structure and non-overhanging structure matrix with optimized parameters, analyzes the microstructures and compares the properties of both overhanging structure and non-overhanging structure “matrix”, so as to analyze the reasons for the forming of the overhanging structure, which in turn lauds basic data foundation for the theoretical studies in the future.

scholarly journals Selective Laser Melting Process of Al–Based Pyramidal Horns for the W-Band: Fabrication and Testing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Lamagna ◽  
A. Paiella ◽  
S. Masi ◽  
L. Bottini ◽  
A. Boschetto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
High Surface ◽  
Melting Process ◽  
Horn Antenna ◽  
Post Processing ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Performance Impact ◽  
Horn Antennas ◽  
Sand Blasting ◽  
W Band

AbstractIn the context of exploring the possibility of using Al-powder Selective Laser Melting to fabricate horn antennas for astronomical applications at millimeter wavelengths, we describe the design, the fabrication, the mechanical characterization, and the electromagnetic performance of additive manufactured horn antennas for the W-band. Our aim, in particular, is to evaluate the performance impact of two basic kinds of surface post-processing (manual grinding and sand-blasting) to deal with the well-known issue of high surface roughness in 3D printed devices. We performed comparative tests of co-polar and cross-polar angular response across the whole W-band, assuming a commercially available rectangular horn antenna as a reference. Based on gain and directivity measurements of the manufactured samples, we find decibel-level detectable deviations from the behavior of the reference horn antenna, and marginal evidence of performance degradation at the top edge of the W-band. We conclude that both kinds of post-processing allow achieving good performance for the W-band, but the higher reliability and uniformity of the sand-blasting post-process encourage exploring similar techniques for further development of aluminum devices at these frequencies.

A SIMULATION STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION ON THE PRINTED GEOMETRY IN SELECTIVE LASER MELTING

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Vaishak Ramesh Sagar ◽  
Samuel Lorin ◽  
Johan Göhl ◽  
Johannes Quist ◽  
Christoffer Cromvik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Particle Size Distribution ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Layer Thickness ◽  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Powder Bed ◽  
Mean Particle Size ◽  
Final Layer ◽  
Effect Of Particle Size

Abstract Selective laser melting (SLM) process is a powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process that finds applications in aerospace and medical industries for its ability to produce complex geometry parts. As the raw material used is in powder form, particle size distribution (PSD) is a significant characteristic that influences the build quality in turn affecting the functionality and aesthetics aspects of the product. This paper investigates the effect of PSD on the printed geometry for 316L stainless steel powder, where three coupled in-house simulation tools based on Discrete Element Method (DEM), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Structural Mechanics are employed. DEM is used for simulating the powder bed distribution based on the different powder PSD. The CFD is used as a virtual testbed to determine thermal parameters such as heat capacity and thermal conductivity of the powder bed viewed as a continuum. The values found as a stochastic function of the powder distribution is used to analyse the effect on the melted zone and deformation using Structural Mechanics. Results showed that mean particle size and PSD had a significant effect on the packing density, melt pool layer thickness, and the final layer thickness after deformation. Specifically, a narrow particle size distribution with smaller mean particle size and standard deviation produced solidified final layer thickness closest to nominal layer thickness. The proposed simulation approach and the results will catalyze in development of geometry assurance strategies to minimize the effect of particle size distribution on the geometric quality of the printed part.

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.

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