Fused tracks and layers of Ti10Mo6Cu data obtained via laser powder bed fusion

Abstract

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) has opened the window of in-situ alloying elemental powders for specific engineering and biomedical applications. However, since the LPBF process is non-linear, and the current numerical models are still at the experimental stage it is obligatory to determine the optimum process parameters for each powder composition. The current experimental data described the effects of laser powers and scanning speeds on fused tracks and layers produced using Ti10Mo6Cu powder blend. Fused single tracks were produced at varying scanning speeds and laser powers. The process parameter that falls within the conduction mode threshold was used to produce double layers at varied hatch distances. Layers were rescanned at an offset distance of half the hatch distances. The fused tracks and layers were metallurgically prepared according to the Struers protocol and etched with Kroll's reagent. Optical and scanning electron microscopes were used to measure the width (W), depth of penetration (D), and height (H) of the fused tracks to obtain the data for characterizing the geometry of the fused tracks. Data on the surface quality of the fused layers were extracted with a Surftest SJ-210 portable surface roughness tester, while microhardness test data was extracted using a FM-700 Digital Vickers Microhardness Tester. The data obtained could be used for validating numerical and analytical models, and for predicting fused track profiles. Data that originated from the layers could be used to predict the morphology of layers and the dispersion of elements during in-situ alloying. The methodology applied could be used by other researchers to determine the process parameters for other powder blend compositions and increase the materials database for the LPBF process.

Keywords

• Fused tracks analysis
• Double layers analysis
• Laser powder bed fusion
• Ti10Mo6Cu