Nickel-titanium shape memory alloys made by selective laser melting: a review on process optimisation

Abstract

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a mainstream powder-bed fusion additive manufacturing (AM) process that creates a three-dimensional (3D) object using a high power laser to fuse fine particles of various metallic powders such as copper, tool steel, cobalt chrome, titanium, tungsten, aluminium and stainless steel. Over the past decade, SLM has received significant attention due to its capability in producing dense parts with superior mechanical properties. As a premier shape memory alloy, the nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy is attractive for a variety of biomedical applications due to its superior mechanical properties, superelasticity, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the recent progress in NiTi alloys produced by the SLM process, with a particular focus on the relationship between processing parameters, resultant microstructures and properties. Current research gaps, challenges and suggestions for future research are also addressed.

Keywords

Additive manufacturing (AM) / Selective laser melting (SLM) / Microstructure / NiTi alloy / Mechanical properties

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