Surface quality improvement and adjustment of SLM-processed CM247LC samples by modulated laser parameters

Abstract Nickel-base alloys, such as “CM247LC”, are usually used in the aviation field to manufacture high-pressure turbine blades with cooling channels, to increase the turbine entry temperature and the efficiency. Since there are many different cooling strategies for turbine blades, the requirements for the surface parameters (e.g. surface roughness) vary highly. In this study, five different surface parameters, such as root mean square height, skewness, kurtosis, developed interfacial area ratio and texture aspect ratio with different modulated laser parameters, have been measured, analyzed, plotted as diagrams and compared with reference continuous wave SLM-produced samples. Process maps with an overall surface parameter (including all five parameters) are also presented. Results show a wide range of surface parameter values, as needed for the varying surface requirements of different blade cooling systems.