High precision pulsed selective laser sintering of metallic powders

The generative process of selective laser sintering of powders such as Titanium, Platinum alloys and steel can in comparison to cw radiation significantly be improved by using pulsed radiation. With an appropriate energy deposition in the metallic powder layer, the material properties of the selective laser sintered parts can locally be tailored to the requirements of the finished work piece. By adapting the laser parameters of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, notably pulse duration and local intensity, the degree of porosity, density and even the crystalline microstructure can be controlled. Pulsed interaction allows minimizing the average power needed for consolidation of the metallic powder, and leads to less residual thermal stresses. With laser post processing, the surface can achieve bulk-like density. Furthermore, we present the possibility of forming metallic glass components by sintering amorphous metallic powders.