Influence of additives and stoichiometry amounts in the manufacturing of Ti2AlC components by laser powder bed fusion process combined with pressureless sintering

Influence of additives (micro-alloying), niobium addition, and stoichiometry amounts on parts characteristics, in the manufacturing of Ti2AlC components by laser powder bed fusion process are investigated. The experiment is conducted with an optimal powder composition labeled Nb(O1) comprising a significant reduction of carbon amount to half of Ti2AlC stoichiometry set to fabricate high-density part with an improved wear-resistance and hardness, via processing conditions similar to those found optimal from previous work. A part with relative bulk and skeletal density as high as 80 % and 92 % respectively was achieved. Details of all obvious aspects of laser and powder interaction, such as absorptivity and wettability problems, on the resulting microstructure (porosity) and properties of parts are discussed.