Selective Laser Melting: Materials and Applications

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the emerging manufacturing techniques of immense engineering and scientific importance and is regarded as the technique of the future [1-3]. AM can fabricate any kind of material, including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, etc. Selective laser melting (SLM), also known as the laser-based powder bed fusion process (LPBF), is the most widely used AM techniques that can fabricate a wide variety of materials, including Al-based [4-6], Fe-based [7-10], Ti-based [11][12][13], Co-based [14-16], Cu-based [17][18][19] and Ni-based alloys [20][21][22], etc. Similar to any AM processes, the SLM/LPBF process also offers several advantages, like added functionality, near-net-shape fabrication with minimal or no post-processing, shorter lead-time, offer intricacy for free, etc. [23][24][25]. The SLM process has its applications in the aerospace, automobile, oil refinery, marine, construction, food and jewelry industries, etc. [26][27][28]. However, there exist some shortcomings in the SLM field, which are (a) SLM-based alloy development [29], (b) the premature failure of materials, even though improved properties are observed [30], (c) process innovation and development, (d) structure-property correlation and (e) numerical simulations, etc.Accordingly, the present Special Issue (book) focuses on the two main aspects: materials and applications. Alloy design and development that suits the specific process conditions is essential, rather than using the conventionally designed/available materials. The application spectrum is getting wider day by day, hence the need for our attention. Overall, six articles are published under this Special Issue, with the following themes:

Preparation of Cu-Cr-Zr Alloy by Laser Powder Bed Fusion: Parameter Optimization, Microstructure, Mechanical and Thermal Properties for Microelectronic Applications

“…In order to effectively optimize the processing parameters, the deposition characteristics of LPBF are investigated from one-dimensional to three-dimensional [6,12,31]. First of all, the parameters listed in Table 2 are used to discuss the effect of the laser power and the scanning velocity on the surface topography of the single tracks fabricated by LPBF with a length of 10 mm.…”

“…The oxidation, high thermal conductivity and low laser absorption of copper have limited the development of LPBF copper and copper alloys to a certain extent [12]. With the gradual increase of fiber laser power, the relative density of LPBF pure copper specimens has increased from 88% to 97%, which will affect the mechanical properties of the material [13][14][15][16].…”

Laser polishing of additively manufactured metal parts: a review

“…Laser processing is finding an increasing use in the last years due to its intriguing potentialities [1] and also thanks to the latest advances in laser technology [2,3]. For instance, the most promising additive manufacturing processes for metals, selective laser melting and direct energy deposition, are based on the laser processing of powders [4,5]. Another interesting branch of laser processes is laser treatments and in particular laser polishing.…”

Tribological behavior investigation of 316L stainless steel samples processed by selective laser melting

“…The main benefits of SLM process are; it allows complete melting and re-solidification of fine powder particles to make denser components and provides freedom for making bespoke designs. [1][2][3] Recently, several materials like titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, Co-Cr-W, Stainless Steel (SS), and NiTi shape memory alloys components have been studied to explore the mechanical properties via SLM and compared with their wrought parts. [4][5][6] 316L SS is the most commonly used material in SLM due to its excellent corrosion resistance, high mechanical strength, good processability, and biocompatibility.…”