Research Summaries

Back Microstructural Analysis and Comparative Study of Powders Used in 3D Metal Printing

Fiscal Year 2015
Division Research & Sponsored Programs
Department Naval Research Program
Investigator(s) Luhrs, Claudia C.
Sponsor NPS Naval Research Program (Navy)
Summary The goal of this proposal is to perform a comparative study between different particulate alloy raw materials to be used for metal additive manufacturing (AM) processes and trace the key characteristics of each material through the metal laser sintering fabrication steps. The precursor particulates will be analyzed by optical and electron microscopy/EDX techniques to determine size, shape, elemental composition and microstructure. We will perform X-ray diffraction analysis to identify crystalline phases, BET studies to determine surface area and will analyze the powders thermal behavior by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. We propose also to determine microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of coupons and full parts created by metal laser sintering. A better understanding of the evolution of the material characteristics, from raw powders to printed parts, will help reduce the risks associated with the use of the new AM fabrication techniques and aid the decision making process regarding material selection and processing parameters.
Keywords
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal