Direct selective laser melting of nitinol powder

Conditions of a layer-by-layer synthesis of 3D parts made of nitinol by a Selective Laser Melting (SLM) are studied. Full-density 3D parts from nitinol are manufactured by the SLM with preheating up to 500 degrees C. The effect of different laser parameters on the structure and an intermetallic phase composition of the melted samples is analyzed by the methods of optical metallography, microhardness measurement, SEM, X-ray and EDX analysis. Optimal SLM conditions for NiTi sample's fabrication and eventual biomedical applications are discussed. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B. V. Selection and/or review under responsibility of Bayerisches Laserzentrum GmbH