Study of the effects of laser power and scanning speed on the microstructural morphologies and physical properties of L-PBF produced Ni52.39Ti47.61

Abstract

This study examined the effect of variations in the laser power and scan speed for 52.39 at.%Ni-47.61 at.%Ti samples produced via laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). The laser power was varied between 150W and 180 W, the scanning speeds were varied between 500 mm/s and 1000 mm/s, and other process parameters were kept constant. The resulting microstructures and physical properties of the produced samples were evaluated. In particular, the phase type and phase transformation characteristics, composition, Vickers microhardness, and microstructures were examined. It was observed that variation in the mean microhardness and relative density were not significant at a constant scan speed of 1000 mm/s, regardless of the laser power value. Samples processed at a laser power of 180W (with all other parameters kept constant) exhibited a bimodal micro- and nano structures. It was found that the samples with bimodal microstructure had a higher lattice strain, extent of B2 phase, and higher phase transformation temperatures.

Keywords

• Nitinol
• 3D printing
• Phase transformation temperature
• Mechanical properties
• Microstructural analysis