Selective Laser Melting | Manufacturing Engineering - Mechanical Engineering PDF Download

Materials Used in Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an additive manufacturing (AM) technique where a laser beam selectively melts powdered materials to build intricate three-dimensional (3D) objects [1]. Known for its versatility, SLM can process a wide range of materials, with a strong focus on metals and alloys [2]. It finds applications across diverse industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, food, and jewelry [3].

Common materials used in SLM include:

  • Steel and iron-based alloys
  • Nickel-based alloys
  • Titanium-based alloys
  • Aluminium alloys
  • Alumina
  • Silicon carbide
  • Yttria stabilized zirconia

In this context, you'll discover:

  • The principles of selective laser melting
  • The variety of materials employed in the process
  • Projections for the growth of the selective laser melting market
  • Potential future applications of this advanced manufacturing technique

What is selective laser melting?

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an additive manufacturing technique where powdered materials are fused together using a high-power laser, layer by layer, to create intricate 3D models [1]. This method primarily utilizes metal powders as its base materials [2]. The process involves depositing a fine layer of metal powder onto a substrate plate, which is then selectively melted and solidified by the laser according to a computer-aided design (CAD) [2]. SLM is also recognized under other names such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) or direct metal laser melting (DMLM) [1]. Key considerations regarding SLM encompass both its advantages and limitations [4][5].

Selective Laser Melting | Manufacturing Engineering - Mechanical Engineering

What materials are used for selective laser melting?

Initially, SLM applications were limited to cast iron, titanium, and nickel, chosen for their natural abundance, broad application potential, and cost-effectiveness. As SLM research advanced, additional metals such as aluminum, copper, cobalt, tungsten, and various alloys and composites were integrated [4]. Table 2 provides a summary of commonly used metal powders in SLM and their respective applications.

Table 2. Materials for Selective Laser Melting

Selective Laser Melting | Manufacturing Engineering - Mechanical Engineering

The document Selective Laser Melting | Manufacturing Engineering - Mechanical Engineering is a part of the Mechanical Engineering Course Manufacturing Engineering.
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FAQs on Selective Laser Melting - Manufacturing Engineering - Mechanical Engineering

1. What is selective laser melting?
Ans. Selective laser melting (SLM) is a 3D printing technique that uses a high-powered laser to selectively melt and fuse metallic powders layer by layer to create complex metal parts with high precision.
2. What materials are used for selective laser melting?
Ans. Common materials used in selective laser melting include stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, Inconel, cobalt chrome, and nickel alloys. These materials have excellent mechanical properties and are suitable for various industrial applications.
3. How does selective laser melting work?
Ans. In selective laser melting, a 3D model is sliced into thin layers, and a high-powered laser selectively melts and fuses metal powder according to the digital design. The process is repeated layer by layer until the final part is produced with high accuracy.
4. What are the advantages of selective laser melting over traditional manufacturing methods?
Ans. Selective laser melting offers several advantages, including the ability to create complex geometries, reduce material waste, improve part strength and durability, and produce parts with high precision and accuracy compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
5. What are the limitations of selective laser melting?
Ans. Some limitations of selective laser melting include limited build sizes, longer production times for complex parts, the need for post-processing to remove support structures, and the higher cost of equipment and materials compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
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