Numerical and experimental studies of molten pool phenomena influence on dissimilar materials coatings by L-PBF

Over the past few years, Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) has become increasingly popular, as this method enables energy and material savings during the manufacturing process. 3D L-PBF parts, based on computer-designed geometries, are generated layer by layer using laser energy. Since the beginning of these studies several decades ago, significant progress has been made in the understanding of additive manufacturing, particularly with regard to properties, structure and in situ monitoring. However, the scientific manufacturing community has yet to achieve optimal operational reliability. Presently, numerous defects remain a major problem for parts produced by L-PBF. These defects are mainly caused by the movement of the molten material and its rate of solidification within the melt, which is also influenced by the thermal phenomena of the process. In the L-PBF manufacturing process, the main challenge is to control the complex interdependence of these phenomena [1]. The aim of this work is therefore to study the various physical aspects during a Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) process. For this purpose, it is necessary to provide a numerical model with specific works on experimental characterizations of materials at high temperature (up to 1000 degrees C) as a model's input parameters, such as the thermal or optical properties of cobalt based powder (CoCrMo) used in our study. In addition to material characterization, theoretical model studies have been used to determine the thermal properties of L-PBF powder [2], in particular thermal diffusivity. This model is also validated by specific experimental characterizations, involving the dilution of iron substrates in a CoCrMo alloy deposit and temperature measurements during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the amount of iron transferred from the substrate to the coating can be used as an indicator of the molten metal movement in the melt and, ultimately, of the operating parameters used to apply the coating. Too much iron on the surface impairs the mechanical strength of the substrate-coating assembly, thus indicates poor control of the parameters used for this purpose [1].