Synthesis of Tree-Component Cobalt-Based Alloy by Selective Laser Melting

Abstract

The paper presents studies aimed at producing a three-component alloy from the powders of cobalt, chromium and molybdenum (66 wt % Co, 28 wt % Cr, 6 wt % Mo), with a stable phase structure by selective laser melting. At the beginning of the work, the initial powders were graded on sieves with mesh sizes of 20-70 µm. The powder mixtures were obtained by mechanical mixing of various fraction powders and mechanical alloying in a planetary ball mill. The samples were produced using the VARISCAF-100MVS selective laser melting unit. The melting process of powder materials was completed in a chamber filled with inert gas argon after preliminary vacuum degassing. The microhardness analysis of the samples before and after the thermal treatment was completed. The results of phase composition studies, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy are presented. Examination of the X-ray profiles of the samples proves that the obtained alloy mainly contains the epsilon-phase which improves the hardness and the wear resistance of the product.