Bragg edge imaging characterization of multi-material laser powder-bed fusion specimens

Abstract

Multi-material laser powder-bed fusion (M2LPBF) is a novel additive manufacturing approach that makes it possible to print different materials along the built direction and within a single layer of a component. At the interface between the different materials, the deposited powders melt, mix and solidify very rapidly, than can produce a range of desired and undesired phases, residual stresses and defects. Here we applied Bragg edge imaging to characterize M2LPBF specimens of stainless steel and CuCrZr with vertical and horizontal interfaces. A diffuse interface is observed in the samples with both vertical and horizontal interfaces. The analysis of the (111) and (200) Bragg edges height across the samples demonstrated a clear difference between the crystallographic texture of both alloys, with a strong alignment of the (002) planes along one of the transversal directions in the steel and a random texture within the copper alloy.