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Designing for Shape Memory in Additive Manufacturing of Cu-Al-Ni Shape Memory Alloy Processed by Laser Powder Bed
Mikel Pérez-Cerrato1, Itziar Fraile2,3, José Fernando Gómez-Cortés1
1Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), Apdo. 644, 48080 Bilbao, Spain.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 23, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed an additive manufacturing process for Copper-Aluminum-Nickel (Cu-Al-Ni) shape memory alloys (SMAs). A specific post-processing thermal treatment is crucial for achieving desired shape memory properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Metallurgy
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are vital functional materials across industries.
- Additive manufacturing (AM) offers potential for advanced SMA production.
- Controlling microstructure is key for SMA functional properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a complete additive manufacturing (AM) process for Cu-Al-Ni SMAs.
- To characterize the microstructure and thermal martensitic transformation.
- To establish a processing route for achieving satisfactory shape memory behavior.
Main Methods:
- Powder atomization and laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) for AM.
- Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) for post-processing.
- Microstructure characterization and thermal analysis of martensitic transformation.
Main Results:
- Microstructure evolution was linked to processing parameters.
- A specific post-processing thermal treatment was identified as crucial.
- The designed AM route (L-PBF + HIP + thermal treatment) yielded good shape memory behavior.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive AM processing route for Cu-Al-Ni SMAs was successfully designed.
- Post-processing thermal treatment is essential for optimal shape memory properties.
- This work enables future applications of AM-produced Cu-Al-Ni SMAs.
