Characterization of additively manufactured parts by high-flux MetalJet X-ray sources

Additively manufactured (AM) parts require a large effort for the understanding of their complex microstructures and geometries. Also, often AM is associated with high residual stress in the parts, evaluation of each is a particular challenge. The main disadvantage of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis with conventional laboratory sources lies in their low photon flux, which leads to long measurement times, especially in the investigation of polycrystalline materials. Fast in-situ analyses, the examination of large sample series or of components with complex geometry are therefore usually reserved for measuring stations at synchrotron sources, but their availability is limited. Powerful laboratory high-flux sources such as rotating anode tubes or liquid metal anodes (MetalJet) are an alternative in this respect. MetalJet measuring stations of the HZB are equipped with various zero and two-dimensional detectors, enabling in-situ and ex-situ measurements with different sample environments in the angle- and energy-dispersive diffraction mode, as well as simultaneous diffraction and imaging experiments. The XRD setup allows non-destructive, depth-resolved structural and residual stress analysis, while the imaging setup enables detection of defects and geometrical features of the parts. The potential of these measuring stations for research on AM materials and components is demonstrated through various experimental examples.