Surface Formation Mechanisms in Selective Laser Melting of Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum Powder

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a manufacturing technology of metal parts of any shapes with target mechanical properties by means of laser melting. This paper discusses the effect of SLM parameters: laser output power, laser movement velocity, scanning pitch and preheating temperature of a powdered material on surface formation mechanism, namely, its physical configuration when melting cobalt-chromium-molybdenum powdered material Со28Cr3Mo. The study points at structural differences of melted surfaces even under identical process parameters. Several types of surface formation are identified, e.g. homogenous melt, coagulated particles, and shapeless particles. Vapor pressure, Marangoni effect, and heat effect of a melted powder are stated to be key reasons for rough surface. This research is of high importance for understanding the effect of SLM parameters on formation of a target quality surface, positive stability and repeatable accuracy of the process.