The direct metal laser remelting of copper and tool steel powders

The direct metal laser remelting (DMLR) of mixed powders of copper and H13 tool steel has been used to determine the problems associated with the production of tools steel components with either discrete copper regions or containing graded structures. Microstructural and XRD analysis of the fused materials have revealed the presence of copper regions within the tool steel that will lead to hot shortness. Also observed is that the copper moves up the block as it is produced, making it difficult to keep the copper in discrete regions. les of the laser scanning speed and that of the relative size of the different powders in controlling the microstructure have been examined. It has been shown that high laser scanning speeds and using larger particle sizes for the lower melting point component can reduce the problems somewhat, but cannot remove it completely.