Influence of binder's liquid volume fraction on direct laser sintering of metallic powder

The Cu-based metal powder has been successfully sintered without protection and pre-heating. Bonding mechanisms and the influences of the liquid volume fraction of binder on the density and mechanical properties of direct laser-sintered parts have been investigated. It was found that with the increase in the amount of the binder in the powder mixture, the density of the sintered parts increases and the microstructure become denser. Mechanical properties in terms of tensile strength, impact toughness, and transverse rupture strength have also been studied, showing the increased mechanical properties with the increase in the amount of binder. However, at a high volume of binder, mechanical properties showed a decrease. The low mechanical properties may be caused by the high porosity. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.