Crystallographic Texture Formation of Pure Tantalum by Selective Laser Melting Method

Abstract

Selective laser melting（SLM）is a type of additive manufacturing（AM）process that can produce functional parts with complicated 3-D structures from various types of metals. Recent studies have revealed that SLM can be a potential tool not only for shape control, but also for control of the crystallographic texture of metallic materials. Texture control of refractory metals and biomaterials is an important strategy to improve their functionality. Modern SLM devices are capable of high output and can melt refractory metals that generally exhibit high melting points. In this study, we undertook the fabrication of tantalum, a typical refractory metal, through SLM and investigated its crystallographic texture formation. Tantalum parts that were nearly completely dense with a relative density of more than 99 vol.% and specific crystal orientation of <111> fiber- like texture along the building direction were developed.