Optimization of laser powder deposition for 316L stainless steel

Abstract

Laser Powder Deposition (LPD) is being developed under a number of programs for fabrication of aircraft structural parts, gas turbine engine component repair, remanufacturing of mis-machined parts, fabrication of tooling and dies, and medical implants. The understanding of the effects of LPD process parameters on material properties has not been fully developed. In this paper, an attempt is made to group the main LPD process parameters (i.e., laser power, linear velocity, layer height, and hatch width) into a term defined as specific energy (energy per unit volume) for 316L stainless steel. A number of depositions have been produced at increasing specific energies. These deposits were sectioned into specimens for mechanical tensile testing and metallurgical analysis. The resultant mechanical properties and microstructures are compared the specific energy used during deposition.Laser Powder Deposition (LPD) is being developed under a number of programs for fabrication of aircraft structural parts, gas turbine engine component repair, remanufacturing of mis-machined parts, fabrication of tooling and dies, and medical implants. The understanding of the effects of LPD process parameters on material properties has not been fully developed. In this paper, an attempt is made to group the main LPD process parameters (i.e., laser power, linear velocity, layer height, and hatch width) into a term defined as specific energy (energy per unit volume) for 316L stainless steel. A number of depositions have been produced at increasing specific energies. These deposits were sectioned into specimens for mechanical tensile testing and metallurgical analysis. The resultant mechanical properties and microstructures are compared the specific energy used during deposition.