Highly precise pulsed selective laser sintering of metallic powders

We studied the influence of the laser parameters on the material properties of selectively laser sintered Titanium and powders, which are both of paramount interest in modern technology. In this article, we show that with an appropriate energy deposition in the metallic powder layer, the material properties of the selectively laser sintered parts can locally be tailored to the requirements of the finished work piece. By adapting the laser parameters of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, notably pulse duration and local intensity, the degree of porosity, density and even the crystalline microstructure can be controlled. Pulsed interaction allows in addition to minimize the average power needed for consolidation of the metallic powder, and leads to less residual thermal stresses. With laser post processing, the surface can achieve bulk-like density. I We also demonstrate for the first time to our knowledge the highly precise selective laser sintering of steel micro powder with a lateral accuracy of less than 10 micrometers by using a modelocked Nd:YAG laser, Furthermore, we present the possibility of forming metallic glass components by sintering amorphous metallic powders.