Characteristics of biometallic alloy to additive manufacturing using selective laser melting technology

Abstract

Biomaterial powders are in high development due to expansion of additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Selective laser melting (SLM) is a particular AM technology, which completely melts a powder bed layer by laser beam. Investigations of appropriated physical properties of feedstock (powder alloy) were the aim of this study. Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (Co-Cr-Mo) alloy was used to overview of gas-atomized powder properties in different granulometric ranges (D1 12 - 19 μm, D2 20 - 46 μm and D3 76 - 106 μm), as their: physical, chemical properties and thermal analysis. SLM manufactured standard tensile specimens of usually granulometric range powder size provided mechanical, chemical and thermal properties of biocompatible Co-Cr-Mo alloy. The physical properties showed that powders in the range of 20 to 50 μm provide a better flow ability and packed density, which are relevant characteristics to SLM processing. Manufacturing by SLM process provided suitable mechanical properties in the health area, as well as, maintained the biocompatible properties of the Co-Cr-Mo alloy.