Influence of the laser strategy on bi-metallic interfaces printed via multi-material laser-based powder bed fusion
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Metallic Multi-material Additive Manufacturing (MMAM) is an emerging research topic, as new multi-material laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) techniques have been developed in recent years. However, processing challenges may arise, since materials with dissimilar properties are mixed at the interfaces, which might lead to defects such as cracks. This work aims to investigate the influence of different laser scan strategies on the interface of materials, Inconel 718 and Invar in this case, that were deposited by the patterning drums technique. The strategies that were compared are: (1) 45° vs. 67° angle increment per layer; (2) single scan vs. double scan and (3) with vs. without remelt at the interface. The samples were analyzed by means of optical microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mappings and line scans. The orientation in which melt pools cross the material interface plays an important role in mixing the materials. Different orientations in subsequent layers create a certain “jagged” pattern of mixing at the interface. The double scan strategy leads to porosity at the interface and thus should be avoided. The remelt at the interface partially healed defects such as cracks but does not seem to influence the mixing width at the interface. These findings give general guidance for selecting scan strategies in MMAM depending on the desired mixing pattern at the material interface.
Source: Additive Manufacturing Letters
Authors: Isabel B. Prestes, Eric A. Jägle
Institution: Universität der Bundeswehr München
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,470
Funder: European Commission
OpenAlex ID: W4407318822