Effect of the Laser Processing Parameters on the Selective Laser Melting of TiC–Fe-Based Cermets

Himanshu S Maurya,Konda Gokuldoss Prashanth,Marek Tarraste,Fjodor Sergejev,Lauri Kollo,Kristjan Juhani

doi:10.3390/jmmp6020035

Abstract

The influence of laser pulse shaping on the formation of TiC-Fe-based cermets with different laser process parameters is investigated. The impact of pulse shaping and laser melting peak power on the microstructural development and mechanical properties of SLM-built parts is addressed. This research focuses primarily on the process parameters required to produce crack-free components and includes investigations of mechanical properties such as microhardness and fracture toughness. To acquire optimal process parameters, samples were manufactured using pulse shaping technology with varying laser melting peak power and exposure time. The influence of laser melting peak power and pulse shape on microstructure development and phases was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction.

Highlights

WC–Co, TiC, and Ti (C, N)-based cermets are widely used for high-speed machining, drilling, and metal forming applications [1–4]
Titanium carbide-based cermets have proven to be a candidate material and alternative solution for replacing the conventional tungsten-cobalt (WC-Co)-based cermets for a wide range of applications over the years due to their unique properties [2]. These properties include a high melting temperature, a high hardness, good electrical conductivity, a high chemical resistance, and a relatively low density [5]. Because of these attractive properties, TiC-based cermets have been seen as an ideal choice for applications such as cutting tools, grinding wheels, wear-resistant coatings, and hightemperature heat exchangers [3–5]. 3D printing, or additive manufacturing (AM), is a new digital and green intelligent manufacturing process based on the design of a 3D CAD
All the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns exhibited prominent peaks of TiC and α-Fe and a solid solution of Fe–Ti, which suggests that the mixed powders do not lead to the formation of any new intermetallic carbide phases after Selective laser melting (SLM) processing

Summary

Introduction

WC–Co-, TiC-, and Ti (C, N)-based cermets are widely used for high-speed machining, drilling, and metal forming applications [1–4]. Titanium carbide-based cermets have proven to be a candidate material and alternative solution for replacing the conventional tungsten-cobalt (WC-Co)-based cermets for a wide range of applications over the years due to their unique properties [2]. These properties include a high melting temperature, a high hardness, good electrical conductivity, a high chemical resistance, and a relatively low density [5]. Because of these attractive properties, TiC-based cermets have been seen as an ideal choice for applications such as cutting tools, grinding wheels, wear-resistant coatings, and hightemperature heat exchangers [3–5]. Parts fabricated with AM can, develop a variety of defects due to improper process parameters or disruptions during production [16,17]

Methods

Results

Conclusion