Laser Powder Bed Fusion: Evaluation of Ti15Mo single tracks

The laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process could be used to manufacture 3D objects from elemental powders layer-by-layer using single tracks. However, it is required to determine the optimum process parameters for each type of powder blend and composition that could be used to produce the single tracks for the subsequent manufacturing of the 3D object. The current investigation determined the optimum process parameter window for the Ti15Mo powder blend using the LPBF process. Single tracks were produced at a wide range of laser powers and scanning speeds. The surface of the single tracks was analysed for continuity and discontinuity after which the cross-section of the sintered tracks was also analysed. Generally, the geometry of the track’s characteristics (width, height, and penetration depth) were determined by the laser powers and scanning speeds while the complete or partial melting of the powder particles was influenced by the powder particle size. The laser power of 150 W with a corresponding scanning speed of 1.0 m/s emerged as the optimum process parameter.