Knowledge about the fatigue performance of a material is mandatory before the component can be employed in cyclically loaded applications. Selective laser melting (SLM) is a relatively new additive manufacturing process having competitive advantages in case of complex geometries and customized parts. The light-weight material aluminum is sought for automobile and aerospace applications. The goal of this project is to investigate the feasibility of utilizing SLM process for dynamic applications. The effect of SLM parameters on mechanical performance of parts will be studied, experimental determination of fatigue performance of SLM parts would be carried out, and a concept for improving their fatigue performance would be developed.

Duration: 2013 until 2018