Honeywell-Missouri S&T Research Tackles SLM AM Process

Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, has partnered with Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, Kansas City, MO, to perform material analysis related to selective laser melting (SLM) in a metal-powder bed. 

The 5-yr., $6.5-million project, using equipment purchased and installed at Missouri S&T by Honeywell, has four objectives: 1) predict properties of the built parts, 2) control microstructures to achieve desired properties, 3) maximize powder reuse and 4) increase product sustainability.

The project consists of five tasks: powder characterization, material property characterization methods, temperature effects on material properties, controlling microstructure and mechanical properties, and chemistry specifically for additive manufacturing. Type 304L stainless steel is the initial build material.

“We look at how process parameters affect the mechanical properties of the manufactured part and how to control those parameters to achieve desired properties,” says Missouri S&T’s Dr. Ming Leu, who is leading the study. “The laser’s power, the beam diameter, the traverse speed, the line spacing and the layer thickness all can affect the parts produced.”