Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Hard‐Phase Containing Co‐Base Alloy

Abstract

This work considers the processing of the hard‐phase containing CoCrW‐alloy Celsit F using powder bed fusion‐laser beam/metal (PBF‐LB/M), whereby a suitable process window for producing dense parts having a low‐defect density is determined. Several cuboid specimens are manufactured by varying the exposure parameters (laser power, hatch distance, scanning speed). With the help of quantitative image analysis, the samples are evaluated regarding crack density and porosity, and optimal exposure parameters are derived. Dense samples with a low defect density can be produced if the energy density is 60–70 J mm−3 and the base‐plate is preheated to 800 °C. Choosing lower energy densities leads to increased pore formation, whereas higher energy densities result in increased ablation and cracking. With a view to a later application in which additively manufactured hot work tools are made of Celsit F, the possibility of introducing internal cavities as potential cooling channels is considered. It can be shown that the hardness sideways is lower than above and below the cavity due to a changed microstructure and locally different heat dissipation. The results of this work give a first guideline for the PBF‐LB/M‐processing of wear‐resistant CoCrW alloys with a high hard phase volume content to tools for hot working.