Process Parameters Development of Selective Laser Melting of Lunar Regolith for On-Site Manufacturing Applications

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a candidate for on-site manufacturing as its characteristics of energy source and powder-based fabrication process are suitable for use with in situ material. The feasibility of using lunar regolith simulant to create objects with SLM process is investigated in this study. The process parameters are optimized and multiple objects are fabricated. A qualitative chemical analysis is carried out with scanning electron microscopy using energy-dispersive X-ray emission. Lastly, properties such as particle size distribution, particle shape, and crystal structure of the lunar simulant powder as well as the crystallinity and hardness of the fabricated objects are investigated.