Investigation of support structure configurations for selective laser melting of In718

Yi Nie; Chenlong Xu; Zhongkui Liu; Lihang Yang; Tianqi Li; Yinfeng He

Alexandria Engineering Journal (Jan 2025)

Investigation of support structure configurations for selective laser melting of In718

Yi Nie,
Chenlong Xu,
Zhongkui Liu,
Lihang Yang,
Tianqi Li,
Yinfeng He

Affiliations

Yi Nie: Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, PR China; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, PR China; Corresponding author at: Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, PR China.
Chenlong Xu: Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, PR China; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, PR China
Zhongkui Liu: Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, PR China
Lihang Yang: Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, PR China
Tianqi Li: Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, PR China
Yinfeng He: Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, PR China; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, PR China; Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 112
pp. 281 – 292

Abstract

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The Selective Laser Melting (SLM), as a widely used metallic Additive manufacturing (AM) process, relies heavily on support structures. This study investigated the impact of different support structure configurations on the quality of In718 samples fabricated through SLM. On the basis of a comprehensive review of existing support structures configurations from the literature, three typical configurations: block, cone, and lattice, were designed to support cantilever parts for performance comparison. A coupled thermo-structural finite element simulation using ANSYS was performed to evaluate the temperature, deformation, and thermal stress evolution during the printing process of the three supported cantilever structures. The residual stress and deformation of the printed In718 cantilevers with different support structures were measured for validation. The results showed that block support exhibits the best strength and heat dissipation capability, making it the most effective support configuration for the SLM of In718 material. This research provides a fundamental procedure for evaluating the supporting performances among various support structures for the SLM process.

Published in Alexandria Engineering Journal

ISSN: 1110-0168 (Print); 2090-2670 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Egypt
LCC subjects: Technology: Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Website: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/alexandria-engineering-journal/

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