Exploring Piezoelectric Actuation towards Its Applications in Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing.

Piezoelectric materials, which exhibit a charge distribution across the surfaces in reaction to mechanical strain, find significant utility in actuation and sensing applications. Apart from actuation applications like acoustic devices, motors, and vibration damping, an emerging domain for ultrasonic actuators lies in additive manufacturing processes. Ultrasonic waves applied during solidification aim to modulate grain structure and minimize defects.

Understanding Melt Pool Behavior of 316L Stainless Steel in Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing.

In the laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process, the quality of fabrications is intricately tied to the laser-matter interaction, specifically the formation of the melt pool. This study experimentally examined the intricacies of melt pool characteristics and surface topography across diverse laser powers and speeds via single-track laser scanning on a bare plate and powder bed for 316L stainless steel. The results reveal that the presence of a powder layer amplifies melt pool instability and worsens irregularities due to increased laser absorption and the introduction of uneven mass from the powder.