Influence of slm parameters on cocr alloy

Among the most advanced technologies recently developed, selective laser melting (SLM) is one of the most innovative. The present SLM work aimed to determine the effect of laser power on hard metals such as cobalt chrome (CoCr) alloy. The following physical-mechanical proprieties were determined: ultimate tensile strength, Young modulus, surface hardness, and porosity level. Using industrial computer tomography (CT), the micro-porosity of SLM specimens was analyzed. It was observed that the laser power affects both the mechanical properties and microstructure of CoCr parts. Decreasing the porosity level will increase the mechanical resistance. The lowest porosity level was recorded on samples manufactured with 120 W. On the other hand, lower laser power (70 W) can improve the elasticity of SLM parts down to 19 GPa. The highest ultimate tensile strength was obtained at 120 W, maintaining constant the other SLM parameters. The highest surface hardness was 239 HB. Depending on implant requires, the SLM process can customize even the physical-mechanical properties of CoCr alloy. Future SLM research is needed to evaluate the fatigue limit of CoCr implants using the present technological parameters. From our point of view, the SLM technology will change the medical manufacturing industry, making it much flexible and customized.