Researchers at Swiss Advanced Manufacturing Center and Montanuniversität Leoben have developed a means of advanced laser beam shaping for additive manufacturing of Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG). Their study, detailed in Advanced Functional Materials, explains the fabrication of nearly fully amorphous, dense BMG samples using shaped laser beams, enhancing mechanical properties.
BMGs exhibit exceptional physical and mechanical traits, ideal for various applications. However, current AM methods with non-optimal energy distribution lead to mechanical discrepancies due to structural relaxation and partial crystallization. The team addressed this using tunable beam shaping technology.
Their approach generated shallow, wide melting pools, controlling thermal history for improved amorphicity and rejuvenation. This facilitated enhanced atomic mobility, shear band formation, and subsequently, mechanical strength and ductility.
The study reveals that flexible beam shaping technology surpasses standard AM techniques, albeit with mechanical behavior differing from the original state, requiring further research. Additionally, freeform beam shaping has potential to revolutionize PBF-LB processes, enabling seamless integration with machine learning and faster optimization for new materials.
Advanced laser beam shaping technology represents a significant advancement in AM of BMGs, offering enhanced mechanical properties and potential for future process optimizations.
You can read the research paper titled “Controlling the Glassy State toward Structural and Mechanical Enhancement: Additive Manufacturing of Bulk Metallic Glass Using Advanced Laser Beam Shaping Technology” at this link.
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