Overview and Classification of Defects occurring during Laser Beam Melting of Nickel-base Alloys

Abstract

Laser Beam Melting (LBM) offers an opportunity to manufacture complex near net shape parts in a short time. The reduction of post-processing is a major benefit for materials such as nickel-base alloys, which are difficult to machine. Consequently, the use of LBM to manufacture parts from nickel-base alloys comes into consideration for a number of applications in which a complex design is combined with high requirements with regard to thermal and static loads. Prominent examples include parts for liquid rocket engines.