Producing metal parts with selective laser sintering/hot isostatic pressing

Abstract

Selective laser sintering/hot isostatic pressing is a hybrid direct laser fabrication method that combines the strengths of both processes. Selective laser sintering can produce complexly shaped metal components with an integral, gas-impermeable skin. These components can then be directly post-processed to full density by containerless hot isostatic pressing. The use of the hybrid fabrication method, envisioned as a rapid, low-cost replacement for conventional metal-can hot isostatic pressing, is currently being studied for alloy 625 and Ti-6Al-4V alloys. The microstructure and mechanical properties of selective-laser-sintering processed and hot isostatically pressed post-processed material compare well with those of conventionally processed material.