Research Progress on the Laser Additive Manufacturing Technology of NiTi Shape Memory Alloys

NiTi shape memory alloys have received extensive attention due to their excellent functional properties, biocompatibility, damping properties, low stiffness, and corrosion resistance. However, the processability and machinability of NiTi shape memory alloys are of great difficulties. In the past 20 years, the additive manufacturing technology has been developed sharply, resulting in the direct fabrication for complex structure of NiTi shape memory alloys, which has a great potential value in the aerospace, medical equipment and other fields. This paper makes a comprehensive review of the key issues and solutions in the domestic and foreign NiTi shape memory alloys laser additive manufacturing researches, including the comparison of the traditional process manufacturing and additive manufacturing of NiTi shape memory alloys, and the effect of laser additive manufacturing process parameters and post-heat treatment parameters on the microstructure, mechanical properties and functional properties of NiTi shape memory alloys. Based on research results, the future direction of NiTi shape memory alloys laser additive manufacturing is predicted.