Study on variations of microstructure and metallurgical properties in various heat-affected zones of SLM fabricated Nickel–Titanium alloy

Abstract

Nickel–Titanium (NiTi) is a material of great interest in modern industry as its shape memory and superelastic behaviors provide unique and useful properties that can be incorporated into complex designs and applications. However, due to its poor machinability, it is difficult to realize its full potential with conventional manufacturing techniques. With the advent of additive manufacturing, the potential for the use of NiTi in modern designs has been reignited and the analysis and optimization of its mechanical properties are a pivotal point of current material science research. Furthermore, insight into the variations of these material properties and how they vary throughout an additively manufactured part is key to improving the quality and repeatability of these parts. In this research paper, samples are printed using a single set of process parameters. These samples are then cut and analyzed for grain structure, chemical composition, microstructure, and hardness. Finally, results are reported and variations in these material properties are summarized.