Mapping and modelling single scan track formation in direct metal selective laser melting

When a laser beam scans the surface of a metallic powder bed, the resulting track may be continuous with a crescent shape cross-section, continuous with an elliptical section, discontinuously irregularly broken, discontinuously balled or only partially melted. This paper reports experimental observations of what CO2 laser powers and scan speeds lead to what type of track, for M2 and H13 tools steels and 314S stainless steel powder beds. It also presents measurements of bed physical properties relevant to predicting the behaviour and the results of modelling that agree with the experiments. The results are placed in the broader context of selective laser melting build strategies