A numerical approach to assess the impact of the SLM laser parameters on thermal variables

Abstract

Due to extraordinarily high heating and cooling rates, understanding the selective laser melting (SLM) process remains a challenge. To evaluate the impact of processing parameters on distinct underlying surfaces, a three-dimensional finite element model is presented. To forecast the temperature distribution inside a finite solid model, a moving Gaussian heat source was created to scan the model with temperature-dependent material properties. In the finite model, the impact of processing factors such as laser power, scan rate, and scan spacing were investigated to measure thermal variables such as cooling rate, thermal gradient, and solidification rate in a layer with solid and powder bases. The maximum track temperature was observed to be increasing over the whole track length, which had a substantial influence on the thermal gradient, cooling rate, and solidification rate. The maximum track temperature, melt pool form, and thermal variables were shown to be strongly influenced by laser power and scan speed when compared to scan spacing. Furthermore, the underlying base had a substantial influence on the observed temperature values and melt pool shape.