Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
<mark>Journal publication date</mark> | 08/2003 |
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<mark>Journal</mark> | Journal of Laser Applications |
Issue number | 3 |
Volume | 15 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Pages (from-to) | 172-178 |
Publication Status | Published |
<mark>Original language</mark> | English |
In rapid tooling using the direct laser deposition process and stainless steel materials, only powders prepared using the gas-atomization method have been used because of their presumed superior flow characteristics. In this article, the use of water-atomized powder is investigated by comparing the behavior of the two types of 316 L powders, deposited using a CO2 laser and coaxial head. Results show little difference in the pneumatic conveyance of the powders, but considerably greater absorption of laser energy by the water-atomized powder between the nozzle and material deposition point. Walls produced using the water-atomized powder exhibited a more textured microstructure and smoother sidewall surfaces, with less surface metallic oxides, but the deposition rate was considerably lower than when using gas-atomized powder. (C) 2003 Laser Institute of America.