Influence of laser parameters on the surface morphology of slurry-based Al₂O₃ parts produced through selective laser melting

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain high-performance ceramics and enrich additive manufacturing of ceramic parts. Also, a new manufacturing technique based on slurry by selective laser melting (SLM) was studied, which has some significant advantages compared to indirect selective laser sintering of ceramic powders.

Design/methodology/approach

To study the effect of laser parameters on the surface morphology and melting state of pure Al₂O₃ ceramics, laser power varied between 100 and 200 W and scan speed varied between 60 and 90 mm/s.

Findings

Experimental results show that Al₂O₃ slurry melts completely when the laser power is about 200 W and the scanning speed is 90 mm/s. Surface quality cannot be improved effectively by changing the scanning speed. However, surface quality improves when the laser power is 200∼205 W and energy density is 889∼911 J/mm³. Thermocapillary convection was observed during SLM. By changing the temperature gradient, streak convection and flowing Bénard cells were obtained during SLM of Al₂O₃ slurry.

Originality/value

It is feasible to produce slurry ceramic parts without binders through SLM. Increasing the laser power is the most effective way to fully melt the ceramics. Complex thermocapillary convection was observed during this new process; it may be used to produce crystals.

Citation

Zhang, K., Liu, T., Liao, W., Zhang, C., Yan, Y. and Du, D. (2018), "Influence of laser parameters on the surface morphology of slurry-based Al₂O₃ parts produced through selective laser melting", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 333-341. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-12-2016-0201