Control of asymmetric track geometry in printed parts of stainless steels, nickel, titanium and aluminum alloys

T. Mukherjee, T. DebRoy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

In powder bed fusion, distorted temperature fields and deposit dimensions, undesirable surface features, and defects have been attributed to asymmetry in track geometry. It is also thought to affect sensing and control. While data on the asymmetry have been widely reported in the literature for many commonly used alloys, the origin of the asymmetry and the role of alloy composition and process variables are not known. Here we examine the role of local differences in heat transfer from the fusion zone as the origin of asymmetry in the track geometry. We use a mechanistic model of heat transfer and experimental data to examine the role of main process variables and alloy composition on the extent of asymmetry and provide easy-to-use process maps. We show that high laser power and slow scanning speed decreases asymmetry. Marangoni, Fourier and Peclet numbers can be used for controlling asymmetry. Among the four alloys examined, stainless steel 316 and AlSi10Mg are the most and least susceptible to asymmetry because of their lowest and highest thermal diffusivity, respectively.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number109791
JournalComputational Materials Science
Volume182
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2020

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Computer Science
  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • Computational Mathematics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Control of asymmetric track geometry in printed parts of stainless steels, nickel, titanium and aluminum alloys'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this