Tunable, Anisotropic Permeability and Spatial Flow of SLM Manufactured Structures

In this study, we report on a novel approach to produce defined porous selectively laser molten structures with predictable anisotropic permeability. For this purpose, in an initial step, the smallest possible wall proximity distance for selectively laser molten structures is investigated by applying a single line scan strategy. The obtained parameters are adapted to a rectangular and, subsequently, to a more complex honeycomb structure. As variation of the hatch distance directly affects the pore size, and thus the resulting porosity and finally permeability, we, in addition, propose and verify a mathematical correlation between selective laser melting process parameters, porosity, and permeability. Moreover, a triangular based anisotropic single line selectively laser molten structure is introduced, which offers the possibility of controlling the three-dimensional flow ratio of passing fluids. Basically, one spatial direction exhibits unhindered flow, whereas the second nearly completely prohibits any passage of the fluid. The amount to which the remaining orientation accounts for is controlled by spreading the basic triangular structure by variation of the included angle. As acute angles yield low passage ratios of 0.25 relative to continuous flow, more obtuse angles show increased ratios up to equal bidirectional flow. Hence, this novel procedure permits (for the first time) fabrication of selective laser molten structures with adjustable permeable properties independent of the applied process parameters.