Advances in Laser Additive Manufacturing of Cobalt–Chromium Alloy Multi-Layer Mesoscopic Analytical Modelling with Experimental Correlations: From Micro-Dendrite Grains to Bulk Objects

Abstract

This study presents two analytical models for the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process. To begin, the single layer’s dimensions were measured using principal operating conditions, including laser power, laser scanning speed, powder layer thickness, and hatch distance. The single-layer printing dimensions were transformed into multi-layer printing using the hatch distance. The thermal history of the printed layers was used as an input to the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami-Kolmogorov model to estimate the average dendrite grain size. LPBF experiments were conducted for a Cobalt–chromium (Co–Cr) alloy to validate the developed model. The average dendrite grain size was estimated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) combined with “Image J” software. The Vickers hardness test was performed to correlate the average dendrite grain size and operating conditions. A 10–15% mean absolute deviation was presented between experiments and simulation results. In all samples, a Co-based γ-FCC structure was identified. An inverse correlation was established between the laser power and smaller average dendrite grain, while a direct relationship has been determined between laser scanning speed and average dendrite grain size. A similar trend was identified between hatch distance and average dendrite grain size. A direct link has been determined between the average dendrite grain size and hardness value. Furthermore, a direct relationship has connected the laser volume energy density and hardness value. This study will help experimentalists to design operating conditions based on the required grain size and corresponding mechanical characteristics.