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Selective Laser Melting of Pre-Alloyed NiTi Powder: Single-Track Study and FE Modeling with Heat Source Calibration
Stanislav V Chernyshikhin1, Denis G Firsov1, Igor V Shishkovsky1
1Center for Design, Manufacturing and Materials, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Moscow, Russia.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 10, 2021
Summary
Optimizing selective laser melting (SLM) of nickel-titanium (NiTi) requires understanding process parameters. This study identified optimal SLM parameters for NiTi by combining experimental data and finite element modeling, crucial for advanced material applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
- Metallurgy
Background:
- Nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape-memory alloys offer unique properties like superelasticity and biocompatibility.
- Selective Laser Melting (SLM) allows for complex NiTi geometries but requires process optimization.
- Achieving high mass density and preserving functional properties in SLM NiTi is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of laser power and scanning speed on NiTi melt pool characteristics.
- To model and predict the thermal behavior during NiTi SLM.
- To determine optimal SLM process parameters for NiTi.
Main Methods:
- Experimental single-track preparation using pre-alloyed NiTi powder on a nitinol substrate.
- Analysis of melt pool geometry (depth, width, aspect ratio) and surface morphology.
- Transient 3D Finite Element (FE) modeling with a calibrated volumetric double-ellipsoid heat source.
Main Results:
- Established the relationship between laser power, scanning speed, and melt pool dimensions.
- Identified conditions for the transition between conduction and keyhole mode welding.
- Determined optimal SLM parameters: P = 77 W, V = 400 mm/s, h = 70 μm, t = 50 μm.
Conclusions:
- Combining experimental and FE modeling provides a robust method for optimizing SLM parameters.
- The identified parameters are essential for producing high-quality NiTi components via SLM.
- Further research can validate these parameters in full 3D sample printing.
