High density selective laser melting of Waspaloy (R)

In this work, high density Waspaloy (R) specimens were produced using selective laser melting (SLM). SLM of Waspaloy (R) powder was performed using a high power pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The laser parameters pulse energy (J), pulse width (ms), repetition rate (Hz) and scan speed (mm/min) were varied. Process parameter optimization was achieved using factorial analysis to investigate the relationship between specific processing parameters and the formation of Waspaloy (R) specimens. The optimized processing parameters produced Waspaloy (R) specimens that were 99.7% dense. The resultant laser melted specimen's height, width and contact angles were measured. Specimens were also tested for the occurrence of porosity and observed for microstructure. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.