Powder bed selective laser processing (sintering / melting) of Yttrium Stabilized Zirconia using carbon-based material (TiC) as absorbance enhancer

This study aimed to process 8 mol.% yttrium stabilized zirconia by powder bed selective laser processing, as well known as selective laser sintering / melting. Titanium carbide was used as absorbance enhancer to a Nd:YAG laser. Titanium carbide was chosen for having the lowest weight / absorbance ratio among four additive options: silicon carbide, carbon black, graphite, and titanium carbide. Several trials were performed using 0,25 wt.% of titanium carbide as absorbance enhancer of 8 mol.% yttrium stabilized zirconia, testing different laser powers, laser speeds, laser strategies, hatch distances and designs. A window of optimized parameters was identified within the study conditions, capable of manufacturing parts with high relative density. In addition, challenges and technical aspects are discussed by analyzing the observed phenomena.