This study investigates the effects of process parameters in the powder bed fusion–laser beam (PBF-LB) process on IN939 samples. The parameters examined include laser power (160, 180, and 200 W), laser scanning speed (400, 800, and 1200 mm/s), and hatch distance (50, 80, and 110 μm). The study focuses on how these parameters affect surface roughness, relative density, defect formation, and the microstructure of the samples. Surface roughness analysis revealed that the average surface roughness (Sa) values of the sample ranged from 4.6 μm to 9.5 μm, while the average height difference (Sz) varied from 78.7 μm to 176.7 μm. Furthermore, increasing the hatch distance from 50 μm to 110 μm while maintaining constant laser power and scanning speed led to a decrease in surface roughness. Relative density analysis indicated that the highest relative density was 99.35%, and the lowest was 93.56%. Additionally, the average porosity values were calculated, with the lowest being 0.06% and the highest reaching 9.18%. Although some samples had identical average porosity values, they differed in porosity/mm² and average Feret size. Variations in relative density and average porosity were noted in samples with the same volumetric energy density (VED) due to different process parameters. High VED led to large, irregular pores in several samples. Microcracks, less than 50 μm in length, were present, indicating solidification cracks. The microstructural analysis of the XZ planes revealed arc-shaped melt pools, columnar elongated grains aligned with the build direction, and cellular structures with columnar dendrites. This study provides insights for optimizing PBF-LB process parameters to enhance the quality of IN939 components.

This study measures the rheological properties of two stainless steel 316L powders which are used for the powder-bed-fusion based additive manufacturing process. The purpose is to evaluate the newly acquired powder in comparison with the used and recycled powder, so that both powders can be mixed with each other to supplement the powder usage. The powder rheology properties, such as dynamic property, bulk property, and shear property, are tested and compared. The results and analysis confirm the compatibility of powder mixing.