Laser sintering characteristics of metallic powder with Yb fiber laser - Optimization of processing conditions about laser irradiation

Abstract

The layered manufacturing technique is one of the most effective processes for the manufacture of prototypes, tools and functional end products with metallic powder. In this method the metallic powders are successively melted in a microscopic zone and are clad to the already formed base. In this study, the consolidation characteristics of chrome molybdenum steel (SCM) based powder used to rapid tooling with Yb: fiber laser are described. The density and the strength of consolidated structure were measured under various experimental conditions. As a result, it was revealed that the density of the structures changed under the influence of scanning speed and hatching space of laser beam. The suitable irradiation energy for laser consolidation should be selected to obtain a good shaped structure. The specific cutting force was greatly influenced by the irradiation conditions and its value increasing when the laser condition is optimized.