Selective laser melting of a beta-solidifying TNM-B1 titanium aluminide alloy

Abstract

The interest for a wider range of useable materials for the technology of selective laser melting is growing. In this work we describe a new way to optimize the process parameters for selective laser melting of a beta solidifying titanium aluminide. This kind of material has so far not been processed successfully by this method. The new approach is easy to conduct and well transferable to other materials. It is based on the fact that the parts generated from selective laser melting can be described by an addition of multiple single tracks. Multiple types of single track experiments are performed and in combination with knowledge from laser welding tests optimized parameter combinations are derived. Compact samples are built with the optimized process parameters and characterized in terms of microstructure, phase composition and mechanical properties. With this technique the generation of a TNM-B1 titanium aluminide alloy sample with a density greater than 99% could be achieved. The mechanical properties are comparable with material produced by conventional techniques.

Development of a TiAl Alloy by Spark Plasma Sintering

“…More recently, the PM route paves the way to additive manufacturing (AM). Several processes, such as Electron Beam Melting (EBM) [5,6], Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) [7,8] and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) [9,10], are thus currently investigated. However, even though these techniques show promising capabilities in net-shaping, the as-printed material performance is still to be improved, notably due to residual stresses and porosity.…”

Processing of Al–12Si–TNM composites by selective laser melting and evaluation of compressive and wear properties

“…The SLM process offers a high degree of freedom and theoretically parts with any geometry (complex shapes and structures) and can be produced without restrictions, which are otherwise difficult or nearly impossible to produce using conventional manufacturing processes. [5][6][7][8] This process is also believed to lower the production time of complex parts, to maximize material utilization, and is considered to be environmentally friendly. 9 Most of the SLM research is focused on the following alloys: (i) pure iron, stainless steel, and different tool steel grades in the directions of parameter optimization, structure optimization, and evaluation of mechanical properties [10][11][12][13] ; (ii) Al-based alloys, like Al-12Si and AlSi10Mg, mainly focused on parameter optimization and evaluation of various properties [14][15][16] (iii) Ti6Al4V (for high strength aerospace applications), pure titanium and beta titanium alloys (bulk and porous scaffolds for bio-medical applications) focusing on the parameter optimization and evaluation of related bio-medical, corrosion and mechanical properties [17][18][19][20] ; (iv) Ni-based alloys like nitinol, inconels, and waspaloys (for high temperature properties and shape memory effects) mainly focused on parameter optimization and high temperature properties [21][22][23][24] and (v) Co-based alloys (CoCrMo as dental implants) focused on the microstructure and biomedical properties.…”

The prospects for additive manufacturing of bulk TiAl alloy

“…In 2011, Löber et al made some attempts of SLM processing of a Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy which resulted in multi-cracks samples 23 . More recently, Löber et al used a TNM alloy composition which is also susceptible to cracking because of the small volume fraction of β-phase as the starting powder 24 . A very limited fraction size of powder (45-63 μm) with a layer thickness of 75 μm was used.…”