Multi-scale simulation approach for identifying optimal parameters for fabrication ofhigh-density Inconel 718 parts using selective laser melting

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong-Chuong Tran ◽  
Yu-Lung Lo ◽  
Trong-Nhan Le ◽  
Alan Kin-Tak Lau ◽  
Hong-You Lin
Keyword(s):  
Laser Power ◽  
Scanning Speed ◽  
Processing Conditions ◽  
Simulation Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Process Maps ◽  
Multi Scale ◽  
Melt Pool ◽  
Optimal Processing ◽  
Input Design

Purpose Depending on an experimental approach to find optimal parameters for producing fully dense (relative density > 99%) Inconel 718 (IN718) components in the selective laser melting (SLM) process is expensive and offers no guarantee of success. Accordingly, this study aims to propose a multi-scale simulation framework to guide the choice of processing parameters in a more pragmatic manner. Design/methodology/approach In the proposed approach, a powder layer, ray tracing and heat transfer simulation models are used to calculate the melt pool dimensions and evaporation volume corresponding to a small number of laser power and scanning speed conditions within the input design space. A layer-heating model is then used to determine the inter-layer idle time required to maximize the temperature convergence rate of the solidified layer beneath the power bed. The simulation results are used to train surrogate models to construct SLM process maps for 3,600 pairs of the laser power and scanning speed within the input design space given three different values of the underlying solidified layer temperature (i.e., 353 K, 673 K and 873 K). The ideal selection of laser power and scanning speed of each process map is chosen based on four quality-related criteria listed as follows: without the appearance of key-hole melting; an evaporation volume less than the volume of the d90 powder particles; ensuring the stability of single scan tracks; and avoiding a weak contact between the melt pool and substrate. Finally, the optimal laser power and scanning speed parameters for the SLM process are determined by superimposing the optimal regions of the individual process maps. Findings The feasibility of the proposed approach is demonstrated by fabricating IN718 test specimens using the optimal processing conditions identified by the simulation framework. It is shown that the maximum density of the fabricated parts is 99.94%, while the average density is 99.88% and the standard deviation is less than 0.05%. Originality/value The present study proposed a multi-scale simulation model which can efficiently predict the optimal processing conditions for producing fully dense components in the SLM process. If the geometry of the three-dimensional printed part is changed or the machine and powder material is altered, users can use the proposed method for predicting the processing conditions that can produce the high-density part.

Systematic approach for reducing micro-crack formation in Inconel 713LC components fabricated by laser powder bed fusion

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hung-Yu Wang ◽  
Yu-Lung Lo ◽  
Hong-Chuong Tran ◽  
M. Mohsin Raza ◽  
Trong-Nhan Le
Keyword(s):  
Design Space ◽  
Scanning Speed ◽  
Processing Conditions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Powder Bed ◽  
Melt Pool ◽  
Optimal Processing ◽  
Micro Cracks ◽  
High Crack ◽  
Crack Susceptibility

Purpose For high crack-susceptibility materials such as Inconel 713LC (IN713LC) nickel alloy, fabricating crack-free components using the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique represents a significant challenge because of the complex interactions between the effects of the main processing parameters, namely, the laser power and scanning speed. Accordingly, this study aims to build up a methodology which combines simulation model and experimental approach to fabricate high-density (>99.9%) IN713LC components using LPBF process. Design/methodology/approach The present study commences by performing three-dimensional (3D) heat transfer finite element simulations to predict the LPBF outcome (e.g. melt pool depth, temperature and mushy zone extent) for 33 representative sample points chosen within the laser power and scanning speed design space. The simulation results are used to train a surrogate model to predict the LPBF result for any combination of the processing conditions within the design space. Then, experimental trials were performed to choose the proper hatching space and also to define the high crack susceptibility criterion. The process map is then filtered in accordance with five quality criteria, namely, avoiding the keyhole phenomenon, improving the adhesion between the melt pool and the substrate, ensuring single-scan-track stability, avoiding excessive melt pool evaporation and suppressing the formation of micro-cracks, to determine the region of the process map which improves the relative density of the IN713LC component and minimizes the micro-cracks. The optimal processing conditions are used to fabricate IN713LC specimens for tensile testing purposes. Findings The optimal processing conditions predicted by simulation model are used to fabricate IN713LC specimens for tensile testing purposes. Experimental results show that the tensile strength and elongation of 3D-printed IN713LC tensile bar is higher than those of tensile bar made by casting. The yield strength of 791 MPa, ultimate strength of 995 MPa, elongation of 12%, and relative density of 99.94% are achieved. Originality/value The present study proposed a systematic methodology to find the processing conditions that are able to minimize the formation of micro-crack and improve the density of the high crack susceptivity metal material in LPBF process.

Optimization of built-part distortion in laser powder bed fusion processing of Inconel 718

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
You-Cheng Chang ◽  
Hong-Chuong Tran ◽  
Yu-Lung Lo
Keyword(s):  
Cooling Rate ◽  
Cantilever Beam ◽  
Laser Power ◽  
Scanning Speed ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
Laser Powder Bed Fusion ◽  
Simulation Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Powder Bed ◽  
Simulation Results

Purpose Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) provides the means to produce unique components with almost no restriction on geometry in an extremely short time. However, the high-temperature gradient and high cooling rate produced during the fabrication process result in residual stress, which may prompt part warpage, cracks or even baseplate separation. Accordingly, an appropriate selection of the LPBF processing parameters is essential to ensure the quality of the built part. This study, thus, aims to develop an integrated simulation framework consisting of a single-track heat transfer model and a modified inherent shrinkage method model for predicting the curvature of an Inconel 718 cantilever beam produced using the LPBF process. Design/methodology/approach The simulation results for the curvature of the cantilever beam are calibrated via a comparison with the experimental observations. It is shown that the calibration factor required to drive the simulation results toward the experimental measurements has the same value for all settings of the laser power and scanning speed. Representative combinations of the laser power and scanning speed are, thus, chosen using the circle packing design method and supplied as inputs to the validated simulation framework to predict the corresponding cantilever beam curvature and density. The simulation results are then used to train artificial neural network models to predict the curvature and solid cooling rate of the cantilever beam for any combination of the laser power and scanning speed within the input design space. The resulting processing maps are screened in accordance with three quality criteria, namely, the part density, the radius of curvature and the solid cooling rate, to determine the optimal processing parameters for the LPBF process. Findings It is shown that the parameters lying within the optimal region of the processing map reduce the curvature of the cantilever beam by 17.9% and improve the density by as much as 99.97%. Originality/value The present study proposes a computational framework, which could find the parameters that not only yield the lowest distortion but also produce fully dense components in the LPBF process.

scholarly journals A Comparative Analysis of Laser Additive Manufacturing of High Layer Thickness Pure Ti and Inconel 718 Alloy Materials Using Finite Element Method

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 876 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sapam Ningthemba Singh ◽  
Sohini Chowdhury ◽  
Yadaiah Nirsanametla ◽  
Anil Kumar Deepati ◽  
Chander Prakash ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Method ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Layer Thickness ◽  
Inconel 718 ◽  
Laser Power ◽  
Scanning Speed ◽  
Laser Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Inconel 718 Alloy ◽  
Melt Pool ◽  
High Layer

Investigation of the selective laser melting (SLM) process, using finite element method, to understand the influences of laser power and scanning speed on the heat flow and melt-pool dimensions is a challenging task. Most of the existing studies are focused on the study of thin layer thickness and comparative study of same materials under different manufacturing conditions. The present work is focused on comparative analysis of thermal cycles and complex melt-pool behavior of a high layer thickness multi-layer laser additive manufacturing (LAM) of pure Titanium (Ti) and Inconel 718. A transient 3D finite-element model is developed to perform a quantitative comparative study on two materials to examine the temperature distribution and disparities in melt-pool behaviours under similar processing conditions. It is observed that the layers are properly melted and sintered for the considered process parameters. The temperature and melt-pool increases as laser power move in the same layer and when new layers are added. The same is observed when the laser power increases, and opposite is observed for increasing scanning speed while keeping other parameters constant. It is also found that Inconel 718 alloy has a higher maximum temperature than Ti material for the same process parameter and hence higher melt-pool dimensions.

scholarly journals Parametric Study on In Situ Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Mo(Si1−x,Alx)2

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 4849
Author(s):  
T. Minasyan ◽  
S. Aydinyan ◽  
E. Toyserkani ◽  
I. Hussainova
Keyword(s):  
Parametric Study ◽  
Laser Power ◽  
Side Surface ◽  
Scanning Speed ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
Powder Bed ◽  
Good Surface ◽  
Melt Pool ◽  
Scan Speed ◽  
Good Surface Finish

Mo(Si1−x,Alx)2 composites were produced by a pulsed laser reactive selective laser melting of MoSi2 and 30 wt.% AlSi10Mg powder mixture. The parametric study, altering the laser power between 100 and 300 W and scan speed between 400 and 1500 mm·s−1, has been conducted to estimate the effect of processing parameters on printed coupon samples’ quality. It was shown that samples prepared at 150–200 W laser power and 400–500 mm·s−1 scan speed, as well as 250 W laser power along with 700 mm·s−1 scan speed, provide a relatively good surface finish with 6.5 ± 0.5 µm–10.3 ± 0.8 µm roughness at the top of coupons, and 9.3 ± 0.7 µm–13.2 ± 1.1 µm side surface roughness in addition to a remarkable chemical and microstructural homogeneity. An increase in the laser power and a decrease in the scan speed led to an apparent improvement in the densification behavior resulting in printed coupons of up to 99.8% relative density and hardness of ~600 HV1 or ~560 HV5. The printed parts are composed of epitaxially grown columnar dendritic melt pool cores and coarser dendrites beyond the morphological transition zone in overlapped regions. An increase in the scanning speed at a fixed laser power and a decrease in the power at a fixed scan speed prohibited the complete single displacement reaction between MoSi2 and aluminum, leading to unreacted MoSi2 and Al lean hexagonal Mo(Si1−x,Alx)2 phase.

Influence of laser parameters and Ti content on the surface morphology of L-PBF fabricated Titania

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abid Ullah ◽  
HengAn Wu ◽  
Asif Ur Rehman ◽  
YinBo Zhu ◽  
Tingting Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Morphology ◽  
Laser Beam ◽  
Surface Quality ◽  
Selective Oxidation ◽  
Laser Power ◽  
Scanning Speed ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Powder Bed ◽  
Laser Parameters

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to eliminate Part defects and enrich additive manufacturing of ceramics. Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) experiments were carried to investigate the effects of laser parameters and selective oxidation of Titanium (mixed with TiO2) on the microstructure, surface quality and melting state of Titania. The causes of several L-PBF parts defects were thoroughly analyzed. Design/methodology/approach Laser power and scanning speed were varied within a specific range (50–125 W and 170–200 mm/s, respectively). Furthermore, varying loads of Ti (1%, 3%, 5% and 15%) were mixed with TiO2, which was selectively oxidized with laser beam in the presence of oxygen environment. Findings Part defects such as cracks, pores and uneven grains growth were widely reduced in TiO2 L-PBF specimens. Increasing the laser power and decreasing the scanning speed shown significant improvements in the surface morphology of TiO2 ceramics. The amount of Ti material was fully melted and simultaneously changed into TiO2 by the application of the laser beam. The selective oxidation of Ti material also improved the melting condition, microstructure and surface quality of the specimens. Originality/value TiO2 ceramic specimens were produced through L-PBF process. Increasing the laser power and decreasing the scanning speed is an effective way to sufficiently melt the powders and reduce parts defects. Selective oxidation of Ti by a high power laser beam approach was used to improve the manufacturability of TiO2 specimens.

Effect of processing parameters on forming defects during selective laser melting of AlSi10Mg powder

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 871-879 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haihua Wu ◽  
Junfeng Li ◽  
Zhengying Wei ◽  
Pei Wei
Keyword(s):  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Laser Power ◽  
Scanning Speed ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
Argon Pressure ◽  
Powder Layer ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scan Speed ◽  
Forming Defects

Purpose To fabricate a selective laser melting (SLM)-processed AlSi10Mg part with almost full density and free of any apparent pores, this study aims to investigate the effect of ambient argon pressure and laser scanning speed on the particles splash during the AlSi10Mg powder bed laser melting. Design/methodology/approach Based on the discrete element method (DEM), a 3D model of random distribution of powder particles was established, and the 3D free surface of SLM forming process was dynamically tracked by the volume of fluid, where a Gaussian laser beam acts as the energy source melting the powder bed. Through the numerical simulation and process experimental research, the effect of the applied laser power and scanning speed on the operating laser melting temperature was studied. Findings The process stability has a fundamental role in the porosity formation, which is process-dependent. The effect of the processing conditions on the process stability and the resultant forming defects were clarified. Research limitations/implications The results shows that the pores were the main defects present in the SLM-processed AlSi10Mg sample, which decreases the densification level of the sample. Practical implications The optimal processing parameters (argon pressure of 1,000 Pa, laser power of 180 W, scan speed of 1,000 mm/s, powder layer thickness of 35 µm and hatch spacing of 50 µm ) applied during laser melting can improve the quality of selective laser melting of AlSi10Mg, Social implications It can provide a technological support for 3D printing. Originality/value Based on the analysis of the pore and balling formation mechanisms, the optimal processing parameters have been obtained, which were argon pressure of 1,000 Pa, laser power of 180 W, scan speed of 1,000 mm/s, powder layer thickness of 35 µm and hatch spacing of 50 µm. Then, a near-fully dense sample free of any apparent pores on the cross-sectional microstructure was produced by SLM, wherein the relative density of the as-built samples is larger than 97.5%.

Establishing the Optimal Process Parameters for the Laser Sintering of Ti64 for Layer Thicknesses of 15 μm and 30 μm and Validation of a Melt Pool Simulation Model

2014 ◽  
Vol 1019 ◽  
pp. 254-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Els ◽  
Michele Truscott ◽  
Kobus van der Walt ◽  
Gerrie Booysen
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Laser Power ◽  
Scanning Speed ◽  
Laser Sintering ◽  
Layer By Layer ◽  
Track Width ◽  
Melt Pool ◽  
High Laser Power ◽  
High Laser

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is a layer-by-layer Additive Manufacturing (AM) process that creates physical metal parts from three dimensional Computer Aided Design (CAD) data. For DMLS to be generally accepted by industry as a manufacturing technology, high mechanical integrity of final components needs to be demonstrated. Mechanical properties of manufactured components are directly affected by the quality of each individual laser sintered track of each consecutive layer. In this study, the optimal ratio of laser power and scanning speed on single tracks is determined for Titanium-6Al-4V powder on an EOSINT M270 DMLS machine for a layer thickness that varies between 15 μm and 30 μm. Two different laser powers, namely 150 W and 170 W were considered. Scanning speeds varied between 600 mm/s to 2000 mm/s with 200 mm/s intervals. The most stable tracks resulted from high laser power, slow scanning speed and thin powder distribution. The empirical data were compared to a melt pool width prediction program, which was found to underestimate track width at all scanning speeds and re-melting depth at low scanning speeds. Further, it was found that decreased powder thickness can be used with an increased scanning speed and high laser power. This strategy may be used to increase surface quality. The penetration data during fusion of the tracks onto the building platform further validates the quality of each sintered track.

scholarly journals Investigation of the surface overhanging elements of parts manufactured by the SLM

2021 ◽  
Vol 2077 (1) ◽  
pp. 012013
Author(s):  
E S Oparin ◽  
A A Voznesenskaya ◽  
D A Kochuev ◽  
A S Raznoschikov
Keyword(s):  
Surface Roughness ◽  
Laser Power ◽  
Thermal Action ◽  
Solid Material ◽  
Scanning Speed ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
Optimal Processing

Abstract The work considers the task of modelling the mode of thermal action on the system of solid material and one aluminium granule. To improve the properties of synthesized parts and decrease porosity of the surface overhanging elements optimal processing parameters were calculated. The paper shows the result of modeling and predict surface roughness and porosity with four parameters pair of scanning speed and laser power.

scholarly journals Selective Laser Melting of Pre-Alloyed NiTi Powder: Single-Track Study and FE Modeling with Heat Source Calibration

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (23) ◽  
pp. 7486
Author(s):  
Stanislav V. Chernyshikhin ◽  
Denis G. Firsov ◽  
Igor V. Shishkovsky
Keyword(s):  
Heat Source ◽  
Thermal Behavior ◽  
Selective Laser Melting ◽  
Process Parameters ◽  
Laser Power ◽  
Scanning Speed ◽  
Fe Modeling ◽  
Single Track ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Melt Pool

Unique functional properties such as the low stiffness, superelasticity, and biocompatibility of nickel–titanium shape-memory alloys provide many applications for such materials. Selective laser melting of NiTi enables low-cost customization of devices and the manufacturing of highly complex geometries without subsequent machining. However, the technology requires optimization of process parameters in order to guarantee high mass density and to avoid deterioration of functional properties. In this work, the melt pool geometry, surface morphology, formation mode, and thermal behavior were studied. Multiple combinations of laser power and scanning speed were used for single-track preparation from pre-alloyed NiTi powder on a nitinol substrate. The experimental results show the influence of laser power and scanning speed on the depth, width, and depth-to-width aspect ratio. Additionally, a transient 3D FE model was employed to predict thermal behavior in the melt pool for different regimes. In this paper, the coefficients for a volumetric double-ellipsoid heat source were calibrated with bound optimization by a quadratic approximation algorithm, the design of experiments technique, and experimentally obtained data. The results of the simulation reveal the necessary conditions of transition from conduction to keyhole mode welding. Finally, by combining experimental and FE modeling results, the optimal SLM process parameters were evaluated as P = 77 W, V = 400 mm/s, h = 70 μm, and t = 50 μm, without printing of 3D samples.

scholarly journals The Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Effect in Selective Laser Melting of Aluminum Alloy Powder

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 1673
Author(s):  
Xianyin Duan ◽  
Xinyue Chen ◽  
Kunpeng Zhu ◽  
Tao Long ◽  
Shiyang Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aluminum Alloy ◽  
Stress Distribution ◽  
Heat Source ◽  
Laser Power ◽  
Alloy Powder ◽  
Scanning Speed ◽  
Laser Melting ◽  
Spot Diameter ◽  
Melt Pool ◽  
Aluminum Alloy Powder

In the selective laser melting process, metal powder melted by the laser heat source generates large instantaneous energy, resulting in transient high temperature and complex stress distribution. Different temperature gradients and anisotropy finally determine the microstructure after melting and affect the build quality and mechanical properties as a result. It is important to monitor and investigate the temperature and stress distribution evolution. Due to the difficulties in online monitoring, finite element methods (FEM) are used to simulate and predict the building process in real time. In this paper, a thermo-mechanical coupled FEM model is developed to predict the thermal behaviors of the melt pool by using Gaussian moving heat source. The model could simulate the shapes of the melt pool, distributions of temperature and stress under different process parameters through FEM. The influences of scanning speed, laser power, and spot diameter on the distribution of the melt pool temperature and stress are investigated in the SLM process of Al6063, which is widely applied in aerospace, transportation, construction and other fields due to its good corrosion resistance, sufficient strength and excellent process performance. Based on transient analysis, the relationships are identified among these process parameters and the melt pool morphology, distribution of temperature and thermal stress. It is shown that the maximum temperature at the center point of the scanning tracks will gradually increase with the increment of laser power under the effect of thermal accumulation and heat conduction, as the preceded scanning will preheat the subsequent scanning tracks. It is recommended that the parameters with optimized laser power (P = 175–200 W), scanning speed (v = 200–300 mm/s) and spot diameter (D = 0.1–0.15 mm) of aluminum alloy powder can produce a high building quality of the SLM parts under the pre-set conditions.

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