Implementation of Selective Laser Melting Technology in Development of Rotary Percussion Drilling Tool

Abstract Metal additive manufacturing, also known as metal 3D printing, offers alternative ways to produce complex components without design constraints compared with traditional subtractive manufacturing methods. As a sub-category of metal additive manufacturing, selective laser melting (SLM) provides many advantages including high as-printed material density, good mechanical properties, and short production cycle, etc. This paper discusses the technical insights on implementation of SLM technology in development of a rotary percussion drilling tool – hydro-efflux hammer. The objective is to improve the quality and reliability of core components of the hydro-efflux hammer through optimized manufacturing workflow with SLM, for enhanced tool performance and extended tool life.