High density selective laser melting of Waspaloy (R)

n this work, high density Waspaloy® specimens were produced using selective laser melting (SLM). SLM of Waspaloy® powder was performed using a high power pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The laser parameters pulse energy (J), pulse width (ms), repetition rate (Hz) and scan speed (mm/min) were varied. Process parameter optimization was achieved using factorial analysis to investigate the relationship between specific processing parameters and the formation of Waspaloy® specimens. The optimized processing parameters produced Waspaloy® specimens that were 99.7% dense. The resultant laser melted specimen's height, width and contact angles were measured. Specimens were also tested for the occurrence of porosity and observed for microstructure.