In order to predict the process window of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) for printing metallic components, the calculation of volumetric energy density (VED) has been widely calculated for controlling process parameters. However, because it is assumed that the process parameters contribute equally to heat input, the VED still has limitation for predicting the process window of LPBF-processed materials. In this study, an explainable machine learning (xML) approach was adopted to predict and understand the contribution of each process parameter to defect evolution in Ti alloys in the LPBF process. Various ML models were trained, and the Shapley additive explanation method was adopted to quantify the importance of each process parameter. This study can offer effective guidelines for fine-tuning process parameters to fabricate high-quality products using LPBF.
The emergence of ferrous-medium entropy alloys (FeMEAs) with excellent tensile properties represents a potential direction for designing alloys based on metastable engineering. In this study, an FeMEA is successfully fabricated using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), a metal additive manufacturing technology. Tensile tests are conducted on the LPBF-processed FeMEA at room temperature and cryogenic temperatures (77 K). At 77 K, the LPBF-processed FeMEA exhibits high yield strength and excellent ultimate tensile strength through active deformation-induced martensitic transformation. Furthermore, due to the low stability of the face-centered cubic (FCC) phase of the LPBFprocessed FeMEA based on nano-scale solute heterogeneity, stress-induced martensitic transformation occurs, accompanied by the appearance of a yield point phenomenon during cryogenic tensile deformation. This study elucidates the origin of the yield point phenomenon and deformation behavior of the FeMEA at 77 K.
This study investigates the melting point and brazing properties of the aluminum (Al)-copper (Cu)-silicon (Si)-tin (Sn) alloy fabricated for low-temperature brazing based on the alloy design. Specifically, the Al-20Cu-10Si-Sn alloy is examined and confirmed to possess a melting point of approximately 520oC. Analysis of the melting point of the alloy based on composition reveals that the melting temperature tends to decrease with increasing Cu and Si content, along with a corresponding decrease as the Sn content rises. This study verifies that the Al-20Cu-10Si-5Sn alloy exhibits high liquidity and favorable mechanical properties for brazing through the joint gap filling test and Vickers hardness measurements. Additionally, a powder fabricated using the Al-20Cu-10Si-5Sn alloy demonstrates a melting point of around 515oC following melting point analysis. Consequently, it is deemed highly suitable for use as a low-temperature Al brazing material.
In this study, machine learning models are proposed to predict the Vickers hardness of AlSi10Mg alloys fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). A total of 113 utilizable datasets were collected from the literature. The hyperparameters of the machine-learning models were adjusted to select an accurate predictive model. The random forest regression (RFR) model showed the best performance compared to support vector regression, artificial neural networks, and k-nearest neighbors. The variable importance and prediction mechanisms of the RFR were discussed by Shapley additive explanation (SHAP). Aging time had the greatest influence on the Vickers hardness, followed by solution time, solution temperature, layer thickness, scan speed, power, aging temperature, average particle size, and hatching distance. Detailed prediction mechanisms for RFR are analyzed using SHAP dependence plots.
Although the Ti–6Al–4V alloy has been used in the aircraft industry owing to its excellent mechanical properties and low density, the low formability of the alloy hinders broadening its applications. Recently, laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) has become a novel process for overcoming the limitations of the alloy (i.e., low formability), owing to the high degree of design freedom for the geometry of products having outstanding performance used in hightech applications. In this study, to investigate the effect of bulk shape on the microstructure and mechanical properties of L-PBFed Ti-6Al-4V alloys, two types of samples are fabricated using L-PBF: thick and thin samples. The thick sample exhibits lower strength and higher ductility than the thin sample owing to the larger grain size and lower residual dislocation density of the thick sample because of the heat input during the L-PBF process.
Recently, considerable attention has been given to nickel-based superalloys used in additive manufacturing. However, additive manufacturing is limited by a slow build rate in obtaining optimal densities. In this study, optimal volumetric energy density (VED) was calculated using optimal process parameters of IN718 provided by additive manufacturing of laser powder-bed fusion. The laser power and scan speed were controlled using the same ratio to maintain the optimal VED and achieve a fast build rate. Cube samples were manufactured using seven process parameters, including an optimal process parameter. Analysis was conducted based on changes in density and melt-pool morphology. At a low laser power and scan speed, the energy applied to the powder bed was proportional to and not . At a high laser power and scan speed, a curved track was formed due to Plateau-Rayleigh instability. However, a wide melt-pool shape and continuous track were formed, which did not significantly affect the density. We were able to verify the validity of the VED formula and succeeded in achieving a 75% higher build rate than that of the optimal parameter, with a slight decrease in density and hardness.
A typical trade-off relationship exists between strength and elongation in face-centered cubic metals. Studies have recently been conducted to enhance strength without ductility reduction through surface-treatment-based ultrasonic nanocrystalline surface modification (UNSM), which creates a gradient microstructure in which grains become smaller from the inside to the surface. The transformation-induced plasticity effect in Fe-Mn alloys results in excellent strength and ductility due to their high work-hardening rate. This rate is achieved through strain-induced martensitic transformation when an alloy is plastically deformed. In this study, Fe-6%Mn powders with different sizes were prepared by high-energy ball milling and sintered through spark plasma sintering to produce Fe-6%Mn samples. A gradient microstructure was obtained by stacking the different-sized powders to achieve similar effects as those derived from UNSM. A compressive test was performed to investigate the mechanical properties, including the yielding behavior. The deformed microstructure was observed through electron backscatter diffraction to determine the effects of gradient plastic deformation.
The purpose of this study is to improve the mechanical properties and develop manufacturing technology through self-soluble alloy powder flame spray coating on the surface of a run-out table roller for hot rolling. The roller surface of the run-out table should maintain high hardness at high temperatures and possess high wear, corrosion, and heat resistances. In addition, sufficient bonding strength between the thermal spray coating layer and base material, which would prevent the peel-off of the coating layer, is also an important factor. In this study, the most suitable powder and process for roll manufacturing technology are determined through the initial selection of commercial alloy powder for roll manufacturing, hardness, component analysis, and bond strength analysis of the powder and thermal spray coating layer according to the powder.
Aluminum-based powders have attracted attention as key materials for 3D printing owing to their low density, high specific strength, high corrosion resistance, and formability. This study describes the effects of TiC addition on the microstructure of the A6013 alloy. The alloy powder was successfully prepared by gas atomization and further densified using an extrusion process. We have carried out energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to investigate the effect of TiC addition on the microstructure and texture evolution of the A6013 alloy. The atomized A6013-xTiC alloy powder is fine and spherical, with an initial powder size distribution of approximately 73 μm which decreases to 12.5, 13.9, 10.8, and 10.0 μm with increments in the amount of TiC.
The process optimization of directed energy deposition (DED) has become imperative in the manufacture of reliable products. However, an energy-density-based approach without a sufficient powder feed rate hinders the attainment of an appropriate processing window for DED-processed materials. Optimizing the processing of DEDprocessed Ti-6Al- 4V alloys using energy per unit area (Eeff) and powder deposition density (PDDeff) as parameters helps overcome this problem in the present work. The experimental results show a lack of fusion, complete melting, and overmelting regions, which can be differentiated using energy per unit mass as a measure. Moreover, the optimized processing window (Eeff = 44~47 J/mm2 and PDDeff = 0.002~0.0025 g/mm2) is located within the complete melting region. This result shows that the Eeff and PDDeff-based processing optimization methodology is effective for estimating the properties of DED-processed materials.
In this study, AlSi10Mg alloy powders are synthesized using gas atomization and sieving processes for powder bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing. The effect of nozzle diameter (ø = 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 8.0 mm) on the gas atomization and sieving size on the properties of the prepared powder are investigated. As the nozzle diameter decreases, the size of the manufactured powder decreases, and the uniformity of the particle size distribution improves. Therefore, the ø 4.0 mm nozzle diameter yields powder with superior properties. Spherically shaped powders can be prepared at a scale suitable for the PBF process with a particle size distribution of 10–45 μm. The Hausner ratio value of the powder is measured to be 1.24. In addition, the yield fraction of the powder prepared in this study is 26.6%, which is higher than the previously reported value of 10–15%. These results indicate that the nozzle diameter and the post-sieve process simultaneously influence the shape of the prepared powder as well as the satellite powder on its surface.
The powder manufacturing process using the gas atomizer process is easy for mass production, has a fine powder particle size, and has excellent mechanical properties compared to the existing casting process, so it can be applied to various industries such as automobiles, electronic devices, aviation, and 3D printers. In this study, a modified A4032-xSn (x = 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt.%) alloy with low melting point properties is investigated. After maintaining an argon (Ar) gas atmosphere, the main crucible is tilted; containing molten metal at 1,000℃ by melting the master alloy at a high frequency, and Ar gas is sprayed at 10 bar gas pressure after the molten metal inflow to the tundish crucible, which is maintained at 800℃. The manufactured powder is measured using a particle size analyzer, and FESEM is used to observe the shape and surface of the alloy powder. DSC is performed to investigate the change in shape, according to the melting point and temperature change. The microstructure of added tin (Sn) was observed by heat treatment at 575℃ for 10 min. As the content of Sn increased, the volume fraction increased to 1.1, 3.1, 6.4, and 10.9%.
Information and communication technologies are developing rapidly as IC chip size becomes smaller and information processing becomes faster. With this development, digital circuit technology is being widely applied to mobile phones, wireless LANs, mobile terminals, and digital communications, in which high frequency range of GHz is used. In highdensity electronic circuits, issues of noise and EMC(Electro-Magnetic Compatibility) arising from cross talk between interconnects or devices should be solved. In this study, sheet-type electromagnetic wave absorbers that cause electromagnetic wave attenuation are fabricated using composites based on soft magnetic metal powder and silicon rubber to solve the problem of electromagnetic waves generated in wireless communication products operating at the frequency range of 2.4 GHz. Sendust(Fe-Si-Al) and carbonyl iron(Fe-C) were used as soft magnetic metals, and their concentrations and sheet thicknesses were varied. Using soft magnetic metal powder, a sheet is fabricated to exhibit maximum electromagnetic attenuation in the target frequency band, and a value of 34.2dB(99.9 % absorption) is achieved at the target frequency.
Nb-Si-B alloys with Nb-rich compositions are fabricated by spark plasma sintering for high-temperature structural applications. Three compositions are selected: 75 at% Nb (Nb0.7), 82 at% Nb (Nb1.5), and 88 at% Nb (Nb3), the atomic ratio of Si to B being 2. The microstructures of the prepared alloys are composed of Nb and T2 phases. The T2 phase is an intermetallic compound with a stoichiometry of Nb5Si3-xBx (0 ≤ x ≤ 2). In some previous studies, Nb-Si- B alloys have been prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) using Nb and T2 powders (SPS 1). In the present work, the same alloys are prepared by the SPS process (SPS 2) using Nb powders and hypereutectic alloy powders with composition 67at%Nb-22at%Si-11at%B (Nb67). The Nb67 alloy powders comprise T2 and eutectic (T2 + Nb) phases. The microstructures and hardness of the samples prepared in the present work have been compared with those previously reported; the samples prepared in this study exhibit finer and more uniform microstructures and higher hardness.
The recent development of information and communication technologies brings new changes to automobile traffic systems. The most typical example is the advancement of dedicated short range communication(DSRC). DSRC mainly consists of an intelligent transportation system(ITS), an electronic toll collection system(ETCS) and an advanced traveler information system(ATIS). These wireless communications often cause unnecessary electromagnetic waves, and these electromagnetic waves, in turn, cause frequent system malfunction. To solve this problem, an absorber of electromagnetic waves is suggested. In this research, various materials, such as powdered metal and iron oxides, are used to test the possibility for an effective absorption of the unnecessary electromagnetic waves. The various metal powders are made into a thin sheet form by compositing through processing. The electromagnetic characteristics(complex permittivity, complex permeability) of the fabricated sheet are measured. As a result, we achieve –6.5 dB at 940 MHz(77.6 % absorption rate) with a 1.0 mm-thickness electromagnet wave absorber, and –9.5 dB at 940 MHz(88.8 % absorption rate) with a 2.0 mm-thickness absorber.
In this paper, a new Co10Fe10Mn35Ni35Zn10 high entropy alloy (HEA) is identified as a strong candidate for the single face-centered cubic (FCC) structure screened using the upgraded TCFE2000 thermodynamic CALPHAD database. The Co10Fe10Mn35Ni35Zn10 HEA is fabricated using the mechanical (MA) procedure and pressure-less sintering method. The Co10Fe10Mn35Ni35Zn10 HEA, which consists of elements with a large difference in melting point and atomic size, is successfully fabricated using powder metallurgy techniques. The MA behavior, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the Co10Fe10Mn35Ni35Zn10 HEA are systematically studied to understand the MA behavior and develop advanced techniques for fabricating HEA products. After MA, a single FCC phase is found. After sintering at 900℃, the microstructure has an FCC single phase with an average grain size of 18 μm. Finally, the Co10Fe10Mn35Ni35Zn10 HEA has a compressive yield strength of 302 MPa.
One-dimensional rutile TiO2 is an important inorganic compound with applicability in sensors, solar cells, and Li-based batteries. However, conventional synthesis methods for TiO2 nanowires are complicated and entail risks of environmental contamination. In this work, we report the growth of TiO2 nanowires on a Ti alloy powder (Ti-6wt%Al- 4wt%V, Ti64) using simple thermal oxidation under a limited supply of O2. The optimum condition for TiO2 nanowire synthesis is studied for variables including temperature, time, and pressure. TiO2 nanowires of ~5 μm in length and 100 nm in thickness are richly synthesized under the optimum condition with single-crystalline rutile phases. The formation of TiO2 nanowires is greatly influenced by synthesis temperature and pressure. The synthesized TiO2 nanowires are characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM).
Titanium alloys have high specific strength, excellent corrosion and wear resistance, as well as high heatresistant strength compared to conventional steel materials. As intermetallic compounds based on Ti, TiAl alloys are becoming increasingly popular in the aerospace field because these alloys have low density and high creep properties. In spite of those advantages, the low ductility at room temperature and difficult machining performance of TiAl and Ti3Al materials has limited their potential applications. Titanium powder can be used in such cases for weight and cost reduction. Herein, pre-forms of Ti-Al-xMn powder alloys are fabricated by compression forming. In this process, Ti powder is added to Al and Mn powders and compressed, and the resulting mixture is subjected to various sintering temperature and holding times. The density of the powder-sintered specimens is measured and evaluated by correlation with phase formation, Mn addition, Kirkendall void, etc. Strong Al-Mn reactions can restrain Kirkendall void formation in Ti-Al-xMn powder alloys and result in increased density of the powder alloys. The effect of Al-Mn reactions and microstructural changes as well as Mn addition on the high-temperature compression properties are also analyzed for the Ti-Al-xMn powder alloys.
In this study, Fe-Cu-Ni-Mo-C low alloy steel powder is consolidated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) process. The internal structure and the surface fracture behavior are studied using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy techniques. The bulk samples are polished and etched in order to observe the internal structure. The sample sintered at 900oC with holding time of 10 minutes achieves nearly full density of 98.9% while the density of the as-received conventionally sintered product is 90.3%. The fracture microstructures indicate that the sample prepared at 900oC by the SPS process is hard to break out because of the presence of both grain boundaries and internal particle fractures. Moreover, the lamellar pearlite structure is also observed in this sample. The samples sintered at 1000 and 1100oC exhibit a large number of tiny particles and pores due to the melting of Cu and aggregation of the alloy elements during the SPS process. The highest hardness value of 296.52 HV is observed for the sample sintered at 900oC with holding time of 10 minutes.
A Ni-Ti-B alloy powder prepared by mechanical alloying (MA) of individual Ni, Ti, and B components is examined with the aim of elucidating the phase transitions and crystallization during heat treatment. Ti and B atoms penetrating into the Ni lattice result in a Ni (Ti, B) solid solution and an amorphous phase. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) reveals peaks related to the decomposition of the metastable Ni (Ti, B) solid solution and the separation of equilibrium Ni3Ti, TiB2, and τ-Ni20Ti3B6 phases. The exothermal effects in the DTA curves move to lower temperatures with increasing milling time. The formation of a TiB2 phase by annealing indicates that the mechanochemical reaction of the Ni-Ti-B alloy does not comply with the alloy composition in the ternary phase diagram, and Ti-B bonds are found to be more preferable than Ni-B bonds.