Influence of selective laser melting process parameters on texture evolution in pure copper

In the present work, Crack-Free pure copper parts with relative densities exceeding 98% are processed by selective laser melting (SLM) using a high-power fiber laser. The influence of different laser scan parameters such as hatch spacing, laser power and scan speed on the texture evolution in the manufactured parts is determined. On the top surfaces, a clear interrelationship between laser scan parameters and crystallographic texture is established. This shows that the texture at the top surface can be very strong especially when a high laser power and a low scanning speed is used. However, a random texture exists in the core of the sample due to successive re-melting and altered heat gradients induced by the application of a 90 scan rotation between subsequent layers. A maximum electrical conductivity of 88% of the International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS) is achieved in the as-built state. Damage to the optical mirror of the SLM machine is observed and recommendations for sustainable up-scalability are proposed.