A Numerical Simulation and Process Optimization of a Hastelloy X Alloy Single Track Produced by Selective Laser Melting.

In this study, a Hastelloy X alloy single track was manufactured by means of selective laser melting. The transient temperature field and cooling rate characteristics of single tracks in the manufacturing process were simulated using the ABAQUS software. The cross-comprehensive effects of the scanning speed and power of the selective laser melting process on the surface morphology, geometric characteristics, wetting and spreadability of single tracks were analyzed. The results indicated that the transient peak temperature and average cooling rate decreased with the increase in scanning speed, but increased with the increase in laser power. At the same time, the height and width of the single track gradually increased in conjunction with the laser power and decreased with increased scanning speed. A two-factor variance analysis indicated that the contribution rates of laser power and scanning speed to the geometric size of the single tracks were 89.02% and 10.25%, respectively. Therefore, optimization of the laser's power control exerts a higher process effect on single track formation quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]