A numerical investigation of the effect of support thickness and void ratio on thermal behavior and possible martensite decomposition in laser powder-bed fusion process


Yildiz A. K., Mollamahmutoğlu M., Doğan A., Yılmaz O.

Journal of Additive Manufacturing Technologies, vol.1, no.2, pp.1-5, 2021 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

Abstract

Laser powder-bed fusion allows the production of complex parts. However, the thermal nature of the process involves spatially and rapidly changing heating-cooling cycles. This type of thermal process causes the formation of highly martensitic microstructures with poor ductility and crack resistance. To overcome this issue, a more lamellar structure for improved physical properties can be obtained either by an approach during production or by a post-production heat treatment. In this context, the support structure together with the substrate temperature are factors that can make a difference during production. If these two factors are properly determined by an assessment prior to production, martensite decomposition can be achieved.

In this study, the effect of the thickness and void ratio of a support structure with a constant cross-sectional area on the thermal behaviour of the process was investigated numerically for the Ti6Al4V alloy. For this purpose, a case is examined for different void ratios and support thicknesses. As a result, it has been presented that the support structure, together with suitable laser parameters, cooling time and substrate temperature, can help the decomposition of the martensitic structure.