Process Parameter and Dimension‐Dependent Mn Vaporization During Laser Powder Bed Fusion of an Fe–Mi–Si–Cr‐Based Shape Memory Alloy

The functional properties of Fe–Mn–Si–Cr‐based shape memory alloys (SMAs) are, among other factors, strongly dependent on their chemical composition. In the present study, Mn vaporization during laser powder bed fusion of a Fe–Mn–Si–Cr‐based SMA is analyzed. Here, the process parameters laser power, hatch, and scan speed are modified, and process conditions like the interlayer time changed. The individual process parameters show noninterchangeable contributions to the Mn vaporization, showcasing the limits of the volume energy density and line energy as encompassing parameters for vaporization description. Differing Mn vaporization along the build direction of the sample and within a sample plane is demonstrated. It is shown that the interlayer time can have a substantial impact on Mn vaporization. With the used changes, fully austenitic (fcc) samples and samples with a mainly ferritic (bcc) microstructure are produced.