CHARACTERISATION AND MONITORING OF TI6AL4V (ELI) POWDER USED IN DIFFERENT SELECTIVE LASER MELTING SYSTEMS

Authors

  • Kekeletso Thejane Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing Department of Mechanical Engineering Central University of Technology
  • Silethelwe Chikosha Material Science and Manufacturing CSIR, Pretoria, South Africa
  • Willie du Preez Department of Mechanical Engineering Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7166/28-3-1853

Abstract

The characterisation and monitoring of Ti6Al4V (ELI) feedstock powder is an essential requirement for the full qualification of medical implants and aerospace components produced in selective laser melting systems. Virgin and reused samples of this powder were characterised by determining their physical and chemical properties through techniques complying with international standards. This paper presents the results obtained for Ti6Al4V (ELI) powder of two different particle size distributions received from the same supplier. The characteristics of these powders after several reuse cycles in two different selective laser melting systems are also presented and discussed.

Author Biography

Willie du Preez, Department of Mechanical Engineering Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa

Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Central University of Technology

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Published

2017-11-22

How to Cite

Thejane, K., Chikosha, S., & du Preez, W. (2017). CHARACTERISATION AND MONITORING OF TI6AL4V (ELI) POWDER USED IN DIFFERENT SELECTIVE LASER MELTING SYSTEMS. The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 28(3), 161–171. https://doi.org/10.7166/28-3-1853

Issue

Section

General Articles