Laser-powder bed fusion of silicon carbide reinforced 316L stainless steel using a sinusoidal laser scanning strategy

Laser-powder bed fusion was identified as a promising technique for manufacturing metal matrix composites. However, over a decade later, little progress has been made in addressing the persisting issues hindering the wider exploitation and industrial usage of metal matrix composites. Therefore, the present study proposes the implementation of a feasible solution to accomplish research advancements in metal matrix composites. Where, the issues concerning their performance and cost have driven this study towards the development of a novel scanning strategy. A hatching system based on a sine wave was successfully developed and employed in the printing of metal matrix composites. Composites printed using the sinusoidal hatching exhibited an enhanced yield strength and ductility owing to the resultant grain refinement and texture. The dabber mode formation of material tracks promoted the growth of highly oriented intragranular cellular structures. Apart for playing an important role at the obtained hardness, this control over the cellular growth could also be used towards improving composite toughness. Additionally, besides improving composite performance, the sinusoidal hatching was also effective in reducing manufacturing lead time and process energy consumption.