PROCESSING OF NEARLY PURE IRON USING 400W SELECTIVE LASER MELTING – INITIAL STUDY

Abstract

The proposed article deals with development and initial tests of nearly pure iron powder ATOMET Fe AM (Rio Tinto, QMP) using 400W selective laser melting technology. Magnetic properties in conjunction with 3D printing possibilities of metals could be used in many applications. Metal powder was analyzed for verification of distribution and shape of particles. The main laser parameters such as laser power, laser scanning speed and hatch distance were tested to achieve low porosity and sufficient, high building speed. Laser scanning speed was tested in the range from 200 mm/s up to 1400 mm/s and laser power from 100 W to 400 W. The hatch distance was set to the values of 90, 120 and 150 µm. Porosity was evaluated via microscopy image analysis and micro CT. To obtain mechanical properties the tensile testing was performed.