3D Printing of Plain and Gradient Cermets with Efficient Use of Raw Materials

Abstract

3D printing of plastic materials is very popular nowadays, while printing of wear resistant hard materials is still an issue. Gradient or functionally graded structures are providing improved performance in impact-abrasive application (tunnelling, geothermal drilling, mining, etc.) through the optimal positioning of areas providing high wear resistance and high resistance against impacts. However, printing of such structures by widely used powder bed selective laser sintering leads to the high consumption of raw materials (powders) that cannot be used again for next printing. A method to overcome this problem is explored in current work. The cermets were produced from following powders: (1) commercial, (2) obtained by disintegration of cutting tool inserts (recycled) and (3) reused recycled ones. Tungsten and cobalt used for the production of the majority of cermets are critical raw materials and their consumption should be reduced while the rate of recycling needs to be increased. The surfaces were studied with the help of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The hardness and wear rate of samples in abrasive conditions were measured.

Selective Laser Melting and Spark Plasma Sintering: A Perspective on Functional Biomaterials

“…It has been utilized in orthopedic implants and has demonstrated good wear resistance. The biodegradable Mg-HA cermet/cement shows promise as a permanent implant for bone regeneration, as an orthopedic implant, and in prosthesis applications [77][78][79]. The HA filler will be incorporated into an SLMed metallic matrix of Mg, formed using SPS technology, with the potential to benefit from LPBF's rapid prototyping capabilities and cost-efficient methods of PM like hot isostatic pressing (HIP).…”

Overview of Selective Laser Melting for Industry 5.0: Toward Customizable, Sustainable, and Human-Centric Technologies

“…Figure 8 illustrates the projected improvements in the next generations of SLM devices, more specifically, for copper alloy structures. With advancements in technology, the precision of SLM machines is likely to improve, allowing for the production of more complex geometries with higher accuracy [61]. This implies that lattice and bulk structures Figure 8 illustrates the projected improvements in the next generations of SLM devices, more specifically, for copper alloy structures.…”

“…This implies that lattice and bulk structures Figure 8 illustrates the projected improvements in the next generations of SLM devices, more specifically, for copper alloy structures. With advancements in technology, the precision of SLM machines is likely to improve, allowing for the production of more complex geometries with higher accuracy [61]. This implies that lattice and bulk structures (particularly those with intricate geometries) can be fabricated with satisfactory mechanical properties and densification, suitable for use in specific applications, with approval according to standard testing procedures and without requiring post-processing [62].…”