Abstract

Characterization techniques for metal additive manufacturing

Author(s): Prabir K Chaudhury

With the advent of metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) as a viable functional product manufacturing, it is necessary to understand the microstructural characteristics arising from novel materials and processing conditions. Because of the non-equilibrium thermodynamics associated with metal AM and the varying microstructural scales, the characterization techniques are important. This presentation examines various applicable metallurgical techniques to characterize materials, processing effects, and products in metal AM. Macro-, meso-, micro- and nano-scale characterization of the internal structure will be presented to show how various techniques can be specifically utilized to better understand the materials and processing conditions and their effects on the performance of these materials for various applications.

Examples of common metal AM materials such as Al, Ti, Stainless Steel, and Ni alloys will be presented to show the importance and utility of materials characterization at various phases of AM processing. Characterization techniques such as chemical analysis, metallography, x-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, micro CT scan, and Atom Probe Tomography will be discussed.