Controlled Crystallographic Texture Orientation in Structural Materials Using the Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process—A Review

Abstract

Advantages of the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process over conventional processing methods include microstructural control capability and complex geometry parts fabrication. For most alloys, the microstructure–property relationship typically guides the LPBF process toward achieving application‐specific properties. Nonetheless, the LPBF process produces a high degree of anisotropy, primarily from the epitaxial preferred grain growth mechanisms during solidification and the consequent highly textured microstructures produced. The crystallographic texture‐controlled build concept through the LPBF process is a material design and processing approach gaining a lot of interest because of the promising unique and superior properties offered by the anisotropy accompanying the LPBF process. The numerous attempts at intentional texture‐controlled building or parts fabrication from structural materials using the LPBF process warrant an up‐to‐date review. Thus, this review presents solidification mechanisms that influence texture evolution during the LPBF process such as the melting mode, melt pool shape, influence of thermal gradient, and solidification rate. Furthermore, this review delves into the influence of LPBF process parameters on texture, accompanying microstructural evolution, and the intentional control of texture effects on properties such as mechanical, corrosion, and oxidation resistance.