Direct manufacturing of Cu-based alloy parts by selective laser melting

The frequent defects of the metal parts, such as non-fully melting, thermal strain, and balling, which are produced by selective laser melting （SLM） that is a novel method of one-step manufacturing, are analyzed theoretically and experimentally. The processing parameters significantly affect the quality of the final parts, and simultaneously, the appropriate laser mode and the special scanning strategy assure a satisfying quality of the final parts. The SLM experiment is carried out using Cu-based powder. The metal part is divided into several scanned regions, each of which is scanned twice at the cross direction with different scanning speeds. The microstructure is analyzed on microscope. The results show that the part is metallurgically bonded entity with a relative density of 95%, and the microstructure is composed of equiaxial crystal and dendritic crystal whose distributions are mainly decided by the scanning strategy.

Direct Digital Manufacturing Industry Ascendant

The paper introduces the origin of the word of Direct Digital Manufacturing and other forms of address, and the working principles of Direct Digital Manufacturing technology and major types of the technology, hard- ware and software development, use of materials, applications, market growth and its development prospects. Focused presentations of Direct Digital Manufacturing （additive manufacturing） compared to traditional mechani- cal manufacturing industry in the use of prices, processing speed, reliability and cost advantages and characteris- tics. Particularly the significant challenges and competitiveness of Direct Digital Manufacturing technology in the processing of any complexity created directly the number of objects, internal structure and channel function, as well as the shape of the chassis components and structure of the matching and optimization.

Bioinspired Multi-Metal Structures Produced via Direct Ink Writing

Bioinspired Multi-Metal Structures(MMSs)combine distinct properties of multiple materials,benefiting from improved properties and providing superior designs.Additive Manufacturing(AM)exhibits enormous advantages in applying different materials and geometries according to the desired functions at specific locations of the structure,having great potential in fabricating multi-materials structures.However,current AM techniques have difficulty manufacturing 3D MMSs without material cross-contamination flexibly and reliably.This study demonstrates a reliable,fast,and flexible direct ink writing method to fabricate 3D MMSs.The in-situ material-switching system enables the deposition of multiple metallic materials across different layers and within the same layer.3D Fe-Cu MMSs with complex geometries and fine details are fabricated as proof of concept.The microstructures,chemical and phase compositions,and tensile fracture surfaces of the Fe-Cu interfaces indicate a well-bonded interface without cracks,delamination,or material cross-contamination.We envision this novel method making other metallic combinations and even metal-ceramic components.It paves the way for manufacturing 3D MMSs using AM and establishes the possibilities of numerous MMSs applications in engineering fields.