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Microstructure modification in additive manufactured Al alloy
Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of metals is a process where three dimensional parts are manufactured by sequentially spreading thin layers of metal powder feedstock and melting portions with a laser. The process involves high cooling rates (up to 106 K/s) which lead to a very peculiar microstructure characterized by a bimodal grain size distribution. Fine grains areas are clearly visible in some regios, identified as the meltpool boundaries, however columnar and elongated grains are present in other areas of the sample. Depending on the final application, one microstructure is preferable over the other, therefore the understanding of how it is formed and control its evolution is extremely relevant for industrial applications.
Keywords: Material science, mechanical engineering, additive manufacturing, laser powder bed fusion, microstructure modification, microscopy
Powder bed additive manufacturing processes selectively fuse together many thin two-dimensional layers to create three-dimensional parts. When the material solidifies, the crystalline grains grow along the thermal gradient direction, this can be influenced by different process parameters, including laser scan speed, scan strategy, layer thickness and build plate temperature. By varying each one of the aforementioned parameters, the production of components having a customized microstructure can be achieved.
In the Advanced Manufacturing Lab at ETH Zurich (am|z) and at inspire icams (innovation center for additive manufacturing Switzerland), we are conducting research on additively manufactured aluminum alloys on a commercial SLM system (Aconity3D Midi+). With this system, we have the ability to design and conduct experiments where several process parameters can be individually and freely modified. After the build, the test specimens will be prepared and analyzed by using advanced microscopy or diffraction techniques.
Powder bed additive manufacturing processes selectively fuse together many thin two-dimensional layers to create three-dimensional parts. When the material solidifies, the crystalline grains grow along the thermal gradient direction, this can be influenced by different process parameters, including laser scan speed, scan strategy, layer thickness and build plate temperature. By varying each one of the aforementioned parameters, the production of components having a customized microstructure can be achieved. In the Advanced Manufacturing Lab at ETH Zurich (am|z) and at inspire icams (innovation center for additive manufacturing Switzerland), we are conducting research on additively manufactured aluminum alloys on a commercial SLM system (Aconity3D Midi+). With this system, we have the ability to design and conduct experiments where several process parameters can be individually and freely modified. After the build, the test specimens will be prepared and analyzed by using advanced microscopy or diffraction techniques.
In this project, our aim is to experimentally characterize the effects of different process parameters on the microstructure of additively manufactured Fe-AlMgSc alloy.
• Become familiar with selective laser melting processes and our experimental platform
• Design a set of experiments for generating data using different process parameters
• Build components on the machine using the designed protocol
• Analyze the microstructure of the manufactured parts
• Adjust the parts design and microstructure according to a specified final application
In this project, our aim is to experimentally characterize the effects of different process parameters on the microstructure of additively manufactured Fe-AlMgSc alloy. • Become familiar with selective laser melting processes and our experimental platform • Design a set of experiments for generating data using different process parameters • Build components on the machine using the designed protocol • Analyze the microstructure of the manufactured parts • Adjust the parts design and microstructure according to a specified final application
Please send your resume/CV (including lists of relevant publications/projects) and transcript of records in PDF format via email to turani@inspire.ethz.ch
Please send your resume/CV (including lists of relevant publications/projects) and transcript of records in PDF format via email to turani@inspire.ethz.ch