Investigating a Semi-Solid Processing technique using metal powder bed Additive Manufacturing Processes

The work reported investigates in-situ alloying using a semi-solid processing technique with metal powder bed Additive Manufacturing (AM); in this instance Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Electron Beam Melting (EBM) were employed. This technique utilised customised powder blends that were processed at elevated temperatures. The selection of processing temperature considered specific alloy solidification ranges. As a result, parts with reduced residual stresses can be produced. In addition, the use of customised powder blends explored the feasibility of developing alloys specific to the process/application, thus increasing available material ranges for AM metal powder bed processes.